A 35-year-old Hilo man was in custody Tuesday after police said he struck a woman with a vehicle while fleeing from a shoplifting incident.
Edward Higa was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree theft, reckless endangering, leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a license. His bail was set at $29,000.
Police said that on June 23 Higa stole clothes from a department store at an East Puainako Street shopping mall in Hilo.
Police said that when employees confronted Higa outside, he fled in a car and struck a 19-year-old employee, causing minor injuries.
Higa is scheduled to appear in court today.
Police arrest fugitive, woman after scuffle
A fugitive who allegedly assaulted two police officers and a woman who police say tried to help him get away were arrested Tuesday in Pahoa Village.
Gustavus Morante, 35, of Pahoa was charged with resisting arrest and two counts of assaulting an officer. His bail was set at $21,900.
Minnie Ann Silva, 29, of Pahoa, was charged with hindering prosecution and had bail set at $1,000.
Hawaii County police said Morante, who was wanted on four outstanding bench warrants, was spotted running into a garage at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
When officers tried to arrest him, Morante elbowed and punched two officers in the face and tried to grab an officer’s firearm and stun gun, police said.
Silva grabbed an officer’s arms and tried to pull him off Morante to help Morante escape, police said.
Both suspects were taken into custody, and firefighters treated the officers for minor injuries.
