Two East Hawaii men are facing burglary charges following a break-in and brief standoff Tuesday afternoon in Puna.
Shortly after 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Puna patrol officers responded to a report of an active burglary at a residence on Uhini Ana Road. Police said the property caretaker reported that he heard someone on the property and went to investigate and as he approached the property, he observed a vehicle that did not belong there and heard voices. Not long after, the man told police he heard gunshots coming from the area of the residence.
The Hawaii Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) and members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division responded and immediately established a perimeter. After negotiators were unable to make contact with anyone at the residence, the team breached the residence and determined that it was vacant.
A short time later, police located 33-year-old Wesley Kaimana Brooks, of Puna, and 30-year-old Peter J. Vana-Staudinger, of Hilo, walking on the roadway above the property. They were arrested without incident.
On Thursday afternoon, police charged Brooks with first-degree burglary and Vana-Staudinger with first-degree burglary and first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
Brooks’ bail was set at $25,000, and Vana Staudinger’s bail was set at $15,000 pending their initial court appearances.