(Update) Police Charge Detroit Man with Reckless Endangering Following Incident Near Two Schools in Pahoa

Hawai‘i Island police have charged Bailey Preston, a 21-year-old, Detroit man with second-degree reckless endangering after school employees reported hearing multiple gunshots near Highway 130 at the 11-mile marker on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

In response to hearing the gunshots, a nearby Charter School and Pahoa School, which are both situated near Highway 130, were placed on lockdown, and the police were immediately notified.

Police responding to the 1:30 p.m. call, learned that the responsible individual was shooting a firearm and target practicing on a nearby agricultural lot off Highway 130. Officers quickly located and arrested 21-year-old Bailey Preston who was still in the area, and recovered a rifle.

In the afternoon of Wednesday, May 7, after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Officers charged Preston with second-degree reckless endangering.

His bail was set at $2,000 and Preston posted bail and was released from police custody shortly after being charged.

“We want to reassure the parents whose children attend both Schools that we have procedures and protocols in place to address these types of situations to protect our “keiki” and provide public safety”, said Lieutenant Bryan Tina.

Police ask that anyone with information regarding this incident call Officer Ikona Rapoza at (808) 965-2716, or the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.