Police Arrest and Charge Three Individuals in Connection With a Series of Thefts in Kona

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged three individuals in connection with a series of store thefts reported in the Kona District on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The three individuals were identified as 31-year-old Christopher Emeliano-Wilson of Mountain View, 25-year-old Victor Babas of Keaau, and 25-year-old Tatiana Santana of Mountain View.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, at approximately 3:25 p.m., Kona Patrol officers responded to the 75-5500 block of Palani Road for a report of an active theft. Three individuals had reportedly left the establishment with a large amount of merchandise and fled the area in a vehicle.

Officers conducted area checks and subsequently located a vehicle matching the description. All three individuals were arrested after officers determined they were attempting to steal merchandise from another establishment.

Personnel from the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section assumed responsibility for the investigation. Through follow-up investigation and the execution of a search warrant of the vehicle, detectives recovered numerous stolen items determined to be connected to three additional store thefts that occurred in Kona that same day.

Following consultation with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Emeliano-Wilson was charged with:

• Second-Degree Theft (2 counts)
• Third-Degree Theft (2 counts)

Emeliano-Wilson’s total bail was set at $12,000.

Babas was charged with:

• Second-Degree Theft (2 counts)
• Third-Degree Theft (1 count)

Babas’ total bail was set at $11,000.

Santana was charged with:

• Second-Degree Theft (2 counts)
• Third-Degree Theft (1 count)

Santana’s total bail was set at $11,000.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Area II Criminal Investigation Section Detective Bradley Llanes at (808) 326-4646, ext. 3268, or by email at bradley.llanes@hawaiipolice.gov.