HILO — A fugitive who was swept into the ocean and presumably drowned Monday off the Puna coastline after attempting to elude capture by police was wanted on felony warrants and for questioning in a reported kidnapping, terroristic threatening and burglary that allegedly involved the use of a firearm.
Police tentatively identified the drowning victim as 37-year-old Akoni Hoke Napooakaokala Dias, whose last-known address was in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
Dias had been sought on four drug court warrants issued Jan. 22 for violating the terms of his probation. Total bail for the warrants was $200,000.
Additionally, Dias was wanted for questioning as a suspect in a reported kidnapping, terroristic threatening and burglary case reported March 19 that allegedly involved the use of a handgun.
According to court records, Dias was a felon with a record of 20 criminal convictions dating back to 2002. Felony convictions include burglary, theft, promoting a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia.
Monday’s incident began with a dropped 911 call shortly after 1 p.m., which was traced to a residence off Government Beach Road in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision.
Puna District police captain Samuel Jelsma said the identity of the caller was unclear, but when the owner of the property, who lives off-island, told police that the property was supposed to be vacant, officers responded to the scene.
At the scene, officers found a Nissan sedan that was reported stolen from a Waikoloa hotel March 25 parked on the property. Officers surrounded the home and ordered the occupants to come out. Four adult occupants, including Dias, left the residence.
While officers attempted to identify the individuals, Dias fled on foot a trail toward the back of the property. Two officers immediately pursued Dias on foot. Jelsma said the officers seized Dias’ shirt, which not only failed to stop Dias, but also prevented tasers from effectively immobilizing him — the electrodes of the tasers twice struck the tautly stretched fabric of Dias’ shirt instead of Dias himself.
Dias fled to an oceanside cliff and pulled himself over a drop-off, landing on a rock ledge about 5-7 feet below police. Jelsma said Dias remained on the ledge long enough for officers to converse with him; during the conversation, Dias made clear that he did not intend to comply with officers and return to custody.
During the conversation, however, a large wave crested over the ledge and swept Dias into the sea. According to a Monday police report, Dias was last seen floating facedown in the ocean, not moving, before he drifted from view.
A subsequent search of the home resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun. Police are attempting to determine ownership of the firearm. Jelsma said other items were found at the scene, but declined to identify them Tuesday.
Police took the other three alleged squatters into custody. According to a police log, they are 40-year-old Maggie Alicia Rodrigues of Keaau, 26-year-old Jensen J. Yadao of Honokaa and 33-year-old Jeremiah Wilbur of Kailua-Kona. They were being detained on suspicion of burglary pending further investigation by police detectives.
Anyone who might have information about this incident is asked to call the police nonemergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Justice Served!