A four-month investigation into a break-in and stolen truck leds to the arrest of a Honokaa couple.
In April, a local business establishment in Honokaa that assists with vocational rehabilitation to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities was broken into. The suspects stole lawn maintenance equipment, took a credit card, and stole a truck.
Police investigating the case discovered the stolen credit card was utilized at businesses in South Kohala, Kona, and Hilo. The stolen truck was later recovered and returned to the business.
Hawaii Island Police arrested and charged 39-year-old Brian Maltezo and 47-year-old Sriyani Anang both of Honokaa for offenses that include unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, unauthorized possession of personal confidential information, credit card theft, theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, identity theft, possession of drugs, and several outstanding warrants.
Maltezo is being held in lieu of $121,850 and Anang is held on $12,750 bail pending court appearances today.
Police received tips from the community that assisted in the apprehension and wanted to extend thanks to the community involvement. Officer Thomas Chun-Ming said, “Getting involved makes the community a safer place for everybody.”
Police are still seeking tips on the whereabouts of some of the lawn maintenance equipment.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Honokaʻa Police Station at (808) 775-7533 or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.\
20 arrested for DUI
During the week of Aug. 26 through Sept. 1, Hawaii Island Police arrested 20 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21.
So far this year, there have been 754 DUI arrests compared with 758 during the same period last year, a decrease of 0.5 percent.
There have been 644 major accidents so far this year compared with 832 during the same period last year, a decrease of 22.6 percent.
To date, there were 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities, compared with 19 fatal crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 21.1 percent for fatal crashes, and 28.6 percent for fatalities.
DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.
