Police Seeking Hilo Assault Suspect

Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an assault that occurred in the parking lot of a business in the 200 block of Kino‘ole Street in Hilo earlier this month. 

According to the victim, the incident occurred Sunday morning, Jan. 4, 2026, while the 74-year-old man was driving in the business parking lot and became involved in a verbal altercation with an unknown male operating a dark gray Infiniti SUV with an unknown license plate.

Both men exited their vehicles and became involved in a physical confrontation. During the altercation, the victim reportedly fell to the ground and struck his head after being punched by the suspect. The suspect then fled the area in the vehicle.

The victim sustained serious head injuries and was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was treated and released. The case is being investigated as second-degree assault.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information regarding the identity of the suspect to contact Detective Duane Rapoza Jr. of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2383, or via email at Duane.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.