HILO — Police are still seeking public assistance in identifying the drivers involved in a road rage incident that was recorded in a viral video.
The video, which surfaced on social media early last week, appears to depict a motorcyclist driving recklessly between two lanes on Highway 130 in Keaau. The motorcyclist catches up to an SUV on the left side of the vehicle, then withdraws an implement and strikes the SUV’s rear window with it, visibly breaking the glass.
In response, the SUV violently swerves to its right, pushing the motorcycle and its driver into the right-hand shoulder, although the motorcyclist remains upright and in control of the bike before speeding away on the shoulder as the SUV falls back.
The video of the incident, posted on Facebook, can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/yx3gw4ux.
Puna patrol Capt. John Briski said police are actively investigating the incident and are seeking help to identify the video’s subjects.
“Someone out there knows who these people are or saw more of what happened,” Briski said.
The implement used to break the SUV’s window — which appears to be a telescoping baton — has not been recovered, Briski said, although the motorcyclist is seen dropping the object after the SUV swerved and struck the motorcycle.
Briski said that, based on the video, both the motorcyclist and SUV driver broke the law and should be charged appropriately.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” Briski said.
However, he went on, the video does not show the full context for the incident, and both drivers should be questioned before charges can be considered.
Briski said anyone with information about the incident or the drivers should contact the police at 935-3311.
