Standoff suspect faces numerous felony charges

Police on Friday charged 35-year-old Joseph Diego Soares of Mountain View with multiple offenses stemming from an hourslong armed standoff Thursday in Aloha Estates subdivision in Puna.

Soares was charged with two counts each of illegally carrying a firearm, illegally carrying ammunition, being a felon in possession of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangering, and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, plus three counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

No one was injured during the standoff, although several residents of Aloha Estates were evacuated until police were able to render the area safe.

Soares’ bail was set at $269,000, and his initial appearance is scheduled for today in Hilo District Court.