Mountain View man charged with assault of police officers

A Mountain View man is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting police officers earlier this week.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced Thursday that 47-year-old Samuel Imaizumi was charged with first-degree assault, first-degree assault against a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest in connection with the alleged assault of two officers Monday. At the time of his arrest, Imaizumi was also arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant.

Officers were attempting to arrest Imaizumi at about 12:4o p.m. Monday on Henele Road in Pacific Paradise Gardens subdivision on a warrant issued by the state Department of Public Safety alleging Imaizumi violated a jail work furlough.

During the officers’ attempt to arrest, Imaizumi, he allegedly ran “at full sprint” into one of the officer’s right arm and chest area, causing a bicep injury.

The officer, according to Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room physician Dan Silverman, suffered a ruptured tendon in his right bicep, police documents state. His injury was serious “due to protracted loss (or) impairment of function” of the arm.

The other officer suffered a strained groin during the incident, as well, documents state. A charge of second-degree assault against a law enforcement officer was contemplated but not filed.

Imaizumi, who has a felony record dating back to 1996, waived his right to remain silent and admitted to attempting to evade apprehension by the officers, according to the documents.

Imaizumi made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Wednesday. His bail was maintained at $36,000. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday.

The most serious offense, first-degree assault, is a class B felony punishable by a 10-year prison term or four years probation and up to 18 months in jail.