A 24-year-old Puna man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision. ADVERTISING A 24-year-old Puna man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop in
A 24-year-old Puna man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision.
At about 7 a.m. Sunday, an officer pulled over a 1996 Geo Tracker for running a stop sign and discovered the driver, Daniel Lewis Jr. of HPP, was wanted for violating a court order.
According to police, Lewis was uncooperative and tried to roll up the window, start the vehicle and flee. The officer then reached in and grabbed Lewis, who then kicked the officer several times in the face, head and arms as the officer attempted to restrain him. During the struggle, the driver side window shattered and Lewis fled on foot, leaving three passengers behind.
A manhunt was launched and Lewis was found two hours later at a 26th Avenue home. He initially attempted to barricade himself inside a room, but later came out and was arrested without further incident.
Lewis was charged with felony assaulting a police officer, driving without a license and insurance and violating a TRO by harassment.
His bail was set at $5,250 and he remains in custody at the Hilo Police Detention Center pending his initial court appearance.
The officer, a 10-year veteran, was treated for injuries at Hilo Medical Center and later released.
