HPD deputy chief’s son tied to theft

Honolulu police are apparently investigating a theft case involving the son of a high-ranking Honolulu police officer.

The son of Deputy Chief Delbert Tatsuyama was reportedly caught shoplifting Wednesday night at Nordstrom Ala Moana, Hawaii News Now reported last night.

Citing multiple unnamed sources, Hawaii News Now said Tatsuyama’s son was detained after allegedly stealing about $800 worth of merchandise. But the suspect was then released after he revealed who his father is, Hawaii News Now said, citing sources.

Brooke White, a Nordstrom spokeswoman in Seattle said the company does not typically identify suspects. “We can confirm this matter was handled consistent with other cases in our stores. … We will be pursuing charges.”

White denied Hawaii News Now’s report that the store initially declined to press charges against the suspect after learning his identity.

HPD would not confirm that Tatsuyama’s son was detained or is being investigated. But in response to media queries about the matter, the department issued a statement, attributed to Capt. Andrew Lum, that said, “Honolulu police responded and initiated a theft case. No arrest was made at the scene. The investigation is currently ongoing.”

Tatsuyama could not be reached for comment last night.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Trailer stolen from roadside on Big Island

Hawaii County police are investigating the theft of a trailer in the Ookala area.

Sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday, someone took a black PJ flat-deck trailer with a gooseneck hitch from the mauka side of the Hawaii Belt Road between the 32- and 33-mile markers, police said. A brown, older-model Ford pickup truck had been seen with its hood up next to the parked trailer at about 7:35 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

It was loaded with $40,000 worth of glass paneling, but the thieves dumped the load along the makai side of Hawaii Belt Road between the 33- and 34-mile markers.