Waimea man crrested for threatening police officer
A 31-year-old Waimea man released on bail for recent fireworks and drug offenses, was recently charged threatening a Hawaii Police Department officer.
Following a month-long investigation, Hawaii Island police arrested Kendall Artuyo and his 31-year-old wife, Lexa Artuyo, on Dec. 30, 2022, after serving a search warrant on the couple’s Waimea residence. During that investigation, police said officers recovered nearly 1.9 grams of fentanyl mixture, 30 Suboxone pills having a total street value of more than $2,200, and more than 25 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks. Also seized was more than $2,572 in cash for forfeiture.
The couple was subsequently charged with numerous offenses relating to drugs, endangering the welfare of a child, and illegal fireworks violations.
Lexa Artuyo was subsequently released on her own recognizance due to a medical issue. Kendell Artuyo posted bail and bonded out from custody on Tuesday, but is due back in court on Feb. 2.
While out on bail, Kendall Artuyo contacted a police officer, making threatening statements to the officer. Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation and Artuyo was located and arrested without incident on Wednesday.
Artuyo was charged with one count first-degree terroristic threatening. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 26. He remains in custody in lieu of $10,000.
