HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
HILO JUVENILE AID SECTION
DETECTIVE GRACE CASTILLO
PHONE: 961-2279
MARCH 21, 2003
H-42354
MEDIA RELEASE
Big Island police are seeking the public’s help in solving a case in which a woman was kidnapped and badly beaten Tuesday night (March 18, 2003).
Hilo Juvenile Aid Section detectives said the victim was catching a ride home from Pahoa on Tuesday evening with an acquaintance when the driver pulled off the side of the road and demanded sex. When the victim refused, the suspect beat her badly and tore off her clothes. The victim managed to get out of the suspect’s van, and after the suspect drove off, the naked victim flagged down a passing motorist, who gave his name as “Rich” and who took her home.
Acting on a description by the victim, Puna Patrol officers spotted the suspect’s van late Tuesday night in Pahoa town and arrested the suspect, identified as Dean A. Dahman, 42, of no permanent address. After an investigation by Juvenile Aid Section detectives, Dahman was charged Thursday with kidnapping and attempted sexual assault. He is currently being held in the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Police are seeking information from anyone who may have seen a white Chevrolet van along or near the Pahoa-Kapoho Highway (Route 130/132) between 7 and 9:45 p.m. Tuesday or who knows the whereabouts of “Rich” — who was driving a small car and who had two dogs with him the night of the assault. “Rich” is being sought as a possible witness.
Anyone with any information relating to the case is asked to call Detective Grace Castillo of the Hilo Juvenile Aid Section at 961-2279 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. The numbers are answered 24 hours a day. Callers will be given a coded number and their identity will remain anonymous. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if their call leads to an arrest, indictment or the recovery of property. Crime Stoppers neither subscribes to “Caller ID,” nor does it record phone calls.
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