Big Island police are asking the public’s help in providing information about a reported burglary and fire Wednesday morning in Keaau.
Around 5:19 a.m., police and fire personnel responded to a report of a structure fire in the Shipman Industrial Park, according to the Hawaii Police Department. Upon arrival, they found a warehouse located on Kipimana Street engulfed in flames.
Investigation revealed the front gate chain was severed to gain entrance to the premises, according to police. One or more suspects subsequently entered the building from the rear by cutting a hole in the wall and then removed a flatbed pickup truck and some heavy equipment.
Police, who have initiated burglary and arson investigations, are looking for a dark Ford four-door pick up truck seen in the area prior to the fire.
Anyone with information should call Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.