A masked suspect is in police custody following two incidents in downtown Hilo near the 300 block of Maka‘ala Street Friday night.
Hawaii County Police said they received a report around 7:45 p.m. of a 77-year old man who was involved in an attempted robbery. The man said a masked suspect approached him and tried to take his truck keys. The suspect was armed with a shotgun, and when the elderly man refused to give him the keys, the suspect fired a shot from the firearm.
The elderly man ran and fell, sustaining minor injuries to his hands. The suspect fled in a silver truck, but not before taking several items from the elderly man’s truck. The victim was able to get a license plate which he provided to police. Police obtained the registered owner’s address on Chong Street.
Prior to this incident, police were already investigating another incident where a suspect tried to steal a truck from a 37-year old male by using pepper spray. The suspect was unsuccessful and fled on foot. Shortly afterward, witnesses reported hearing a gunshot in the same vicinity.
Police determined there were multiple suspects involved in both incidents.
While at the residence on Chong Street, police discovered items that were taken from the elderly man’s truck and found twenty-five marijuana plants on the residential property. The truck used in the crime was also at the residence, and the license plate was a match to statements given.
Police arrested three people in connection to the investigations, which are classified as a robbery, reckless endangering, unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle, terroristic threatening, assault, firearms and drug investigations.
Police arrested 25-year old Shalton K. Estocado, 36-year old Shannon L.Y. Estocado and 24-year old Tearon Pacheco-Fernandez.
Pacheco-Fernandez has multiple firearm, drug and property crime offenses and is currently out on release status from the courts.
The two Estocado men are brothers. Shannon has a criminal history that includes firearm, robbery, assaults, and property crimes. Shalton has a reckless driving offense that is pending in the court.
The incident remains under investigation.
Police are asking anyone who has information on either of the incidents and has not yet spoken to police, to please call Detective Wendall Carter at 961-2383 or the police non-emergency number of 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.