HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
KONA DISTRICT
CAPTAIN PAUL KEALOHA
PHONE: 326-4646, EXT. 253
JULY 28, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police are warning the public to beware of anyone who claims to be a police officer but refuses to show proper identification.

Kona patrol officers are investigating a report that two men approached a man in a parked car on Alii Drive at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday (July 26, 2006) and identified themselves as plain clothes police detectives. As one spoke to the victim, the other removed a laptop computer and a digital camera from the victim’s trunk.

The victim described the first suspect as a local male approximately 25 years old with a medium build and short black hair. He was wearing a Hawaiian print button shirt. The victim was unable to identify the second suspect.

Captain Paul Kealoha, commander of the Kona District, reminds the public that police detectives in plain clothes must provide identification upon request from any member of the public.

“We urge the public to report any suspicious activity, particularly when in contact with individuals in plain clothes who identify themselves as law enforcement officers,” Kealoha said. “Individuals who purport themselves to be law enforcement officers are guilty of an additional crime of impersonating a law enforcement officer, which can be prosecuted as a felony in certain circumstances.”

Police also ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident on Alii Drive to call Officer Jeremy Kubojiri at 326-4646 extension 253 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.