Police have tentatively identified the fugitive who was swept into the ocean off the Puna coastline and presumably drowned following his attempt to elude capture by police officers Monday.
The drowning victim is tentatively identified as 37-year-old Akoni Hoke Napooakaokala Dias, with a last known address in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Dias had been sought on four drug court warrants issued on Jan. 22 for violating the terms of his probation. Total bail for warrants was $200,000.
Additionally, Dias was wanted for questioning as a suspect in a reported kidnapping, terroristic threatening and burglary case reported on March 19 which allegedly involved the use of a handgun.
Yesterday’s incident began with a dropped 911 call which was traced to a residence off Government Beach Road at the bottom of the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision.
Responding officers found a Nissan sedan parked on the property that had been reported stolen from a Waikoloa hotel on March 25. Officers surrounded the home and ordered four individuals occupying the house out. The property owner, who was off-island, told police no one had permission to stay there.
While officers attempted to identify the individuals, Dias fled on foot a trail towards the back of the property. Two officers immediately pursued Dias on foot. They were able to grab his clothing, but he broke free from their grasp and headed toward the ocean.
Tasers were deployed twice in an attempt to immobilize Dias, but failed, and Dias went over an edge and perched himself on a rock ledge about 5-7 feet below police, and refused to come up before a large wave swept him into the ocean.
A subsequent search of the home resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun. Police are attempting to determine ownership of the firearm.
Three additional suspects are being held in custody on suspicion of burglary pending further investigation by police detectives.
Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.