Man shot, critically wounded in Waiakea Houselots

Neighbors didn’t know the identity of a 40-year-old man police say was shot and critically wounded early Friday morning at a home in the Waiakea Houselots neighborhood of Hilo.

David Colon said he had fallen asleep watching television and woke up at about 2:10 a.m.

“The dogs was barking like crazy,” Colon said. “They never were barking like that before. Long time they was barking. It happened late. Everybody’s sleeping that time.”

Police said in a written statement Friday that they received a 1:55 a.m. report of a shooting at the home at 555 Hinano St. Colon said he didn’t hear the gunshot or see anyone leave the scene.

He also didn’t know the identity of the victim, whom police say lives at the home.

“I don’t know them too well. I don’t bother with them,” Colon said. “Plenty people live there, all young people. Friday night, Saturday night, they’re out there drinking, playing their music.”

Other neighbors said they didn’t hear anything either, nor did they notice police arriving at the scene.

“The cops were there when I got up in the morning,” said a woman who didn’t identify herself.

Police said the victim, who was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head, was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition at last report.

According to the statement, neither a suspect nor a motive have been identified.

“This is crazy,” Colon said. “It’s nice here, real quiet. Shooting? That’s really rare.”

The Tribune-Herald left messages Friday for the Hilo Criminal Investigation Division, but they weren’t returned by deadline.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Detectives Tuckloy Aurello at 961-2385 or B.J. Sagon at 961-2375. Those who prefer anonymity can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.