KEALAKEKUA — Probation was revoked and bail was increased to $100,000 in an unrelated case for a Kailua-Kona man who was captured after evading police for more than a week.
Walter Gomes III was arrested Sunday afternoon in Captain Cook without incident after leading the Hawaii Police Department on a manhunt that stretched from North Kohala to South Kona.
Gomes was wanted in connection to a shooting when a woman showed up at Kona Community Hospital March 20 with a gunshot wound to the face. The next day, the 41-year-old was involved in three officer-involved shootings where he fled from police and eventually escaped on foot into the North Kohala brush.
Gomes was on the lam for 11 days before he was taken into custody. Charges from the instigating incident and ensuing events are still being determined.
On Monday, Gomes appeared in 3rd Circuit Court before Judge Melvin Fujino, shackled and surrounded by five guards, in an unrelated case. A bench warrant had been issued March 29 amid the search for Gomes after he allegedly violated his probation in a 2015 case, in which he pleaded no contest to second-degree theft. At the time, Judge Ronald Ibarra adjudged him guilty and sentenced him to four years probation.
Gomes’ probation would have ended Sunday.
While charges have not been officially filed for the events of the past week and half, the 41-year-old was in violation of his probation. Deputy Prosecutor Mark Disher recommended a high bail be put in place, requesting that the judge takes into consideration the current circumstances.
Fujino said the court has looked at the factors surrounding the case and has decided to revoke bail.
“He was a danger to himself and others and is a flight risk,” Fujino said.
Hawaii Police first encountered Gomes on March 21 in Kona by Costco. After refusing commands, police opened fire on the 41-year-old when he reportedly drove at police.
Hours later, officers located Gomes in Hawi. Again, shots were fired at the Minit Stop and Ohana Fuels on Hawi Road and again at Old Camp 17 Road when he crashed into a police cruiser. After that, he disappeared into the North Kohala brush. While there were reported sightings of the suspect, he wasn’t officially seen until Sunday, where he was taken into custody without incident.
“Upon contacting Gomes, he was compliant with the officer’s verbal commands, and the officers were able to take him into custody without incident,” police stated in a press release.
On Wednesday, while Gomes was on the run, a 37-year-old man was flown to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu in serious condition after being shot at Wainaia Gulch. Police are investigating that case but have said they don’t believe the cases are connected.
Gomes is currently being held at the Kona Police cellblock with investigators continuing to compile information stemming from the initial shooting.
“It is because of the police-community partnership that we were able to successfully bring this situation to a close. We continue to thank the community for their support and information,” said Hawaii Police Lt. Roylen Valera.
Gomes’ family is relieved he was brought into police custody safely.
“I talked to him today and he needs help,” said Gomes’ sister Angela Montoy. “He has a very altered sense of reality right now.”
Montoy explained how her brother felt like someone was after him and he’s felt that way for years.
“I’m just hoping he gets the medical help with addictions,” she said. “I think he needs some mental health evaluations.”