Pa‘auilo Man Arrested for Burglary, Assault Offenses After He Jumps in Hilo Bay to Evade Police

On Monday, June 2, 2025, Hawai‘i Island police responded to the area of Wailuku River and the “singing bridge” near the lighthouse on Highway 19 to investigate an assault complaint whereby the alleged suspect jumped into Hilo Bay and swam to evade police apprehension.

Hawai‘i Fire Department’s Search and Rescue station were summoned, who stood by to provide any emergency diving operations. The suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Jeremy Rios, of Pa‘auilo, returned to shore and was arrested without incident.

While investigating the assault complaint, Rios was also identified as the suspect in a burglary of a nearby Hilo business that occurred around 5:08 a.m. Monday morning. Rios was seen via video surveillance breaking into a bar and removing alcohol without permission.

Rios was arrested for the following offenses:

• Second-degree assault
• Second-degree burglary
• Two outstanding warrants

Rios remains in custody at the Hilo Police Station while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Daniel Tam of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2380, or via email at daniel.tam@hawaiicounty.gov.