(Update) Captain Cook Man Charged with Multiple Offenses Following Barricaded Standoff in South Kona

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 43-year-old Earl-Lewis Camacho of Captain Cook with multiple offenses following an armed domestic incident and subsequent standoff with police in South Kona.

After conferring with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Camacho was charged with:

• Two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening
• Kidnapping
• Two counts of abuse of a family or household member (misdemeanor)
• Abuse of a family or household member (class C felony)
• Carrying/use of a firearm in commission of a separate felony
• Four counts of ownership or possession prohibited
• Summons or arrest on probation

His total bail was set at $711,000.

The charges against Camacho stem from an incident that occurred on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 8:35 p.m., when police responded to the 85-4000 block of Hawaii Belt Road in Captain Cook following reports of a domestic dispute involving Camacho and his 25-year-old girlfriend. Police learned that Camacho had allegedly assaulted the woman and was armed with a firearm while holding their 2-year-old daughter.

Upon arrival, officers observed Camacho carrying the 2-year-old and what appeared to be a rifle. Camacho refused officers’ commands and barricaded himself inside of the residence. During the incident, Camacho repeatedly yelled at officers to shoot him and was observed pointing what appeared to be three different looking firearms at the officers and at the child he was holding.

The Hawai‘i Police Department’s Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene and worked for several hours to peacefully resolve the situation. Shortly before midnight, Camacho voluntarily exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

The 2-year-old child was unharmed and reunited with her mother.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have information to contact Detective Aaron Yamanaka of the Area II Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 304 or via email at Aaron.Yamanaka@hawaiipolice.gov.