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Two arrested at Kona police stakeout 08-05-02

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
KONA PATROL DIVISION
CAPTAIN JOHN E. DAWRS
PHONE: 326-4211
AUGUST 5, 2002

MEDIA RELEASE

In response to a rash of car break-ins and home burglaries in the North Kona area, Kona Patrol and Community Police Officers set up surveillance Thursday night (August 1, 2002) that resulted in the arrest of two male suspects early Friday morning.

While the stakeout was on, police received a report of one car break-in at 1:45 a.m. Friday in the Nani Ohai subdivision off of Hualalai Road. Responding officers were initially unable to locate the responsible parties, but did locate a vehicle at the bottom of the subdivision that possibly belonged to the suspects.

Several officers remained in the area to stake out both the north and south ends of Hienaloli Road. At about 3:45 a.m., officers observed two males walking south on Hienaloli Road. As the officers approached the two males, the subjects tried to get rid of items they were carrying.

The subjects were subsequently arrested. In a subsequent search of their vehicle by Kona Criminal Investigation Section detectives, more items from other thefts were recovered, including numerous credit and identification cards.

At 2:45 p.m. Saturday, the Kona Criminal Investigation Section charged Jimli Vergara, 24, of Kailua-Kona, with one count of promoting dangerous drugs, one count of promoting drug paraphernalia, 16 counts of theft, 12 counts of unlawful entry into a motor vehicle and two counts of burglary. Bail for Vergara was set at $52,000.

Also charged was Onofre Rabang, 31, of Kailua-Kona, with six counts of theft, four counts of unlawful entry into motor vehicles and two counts of burglary. Bail for Rabang was set at $22,500.

The Kona Criminal Investigation Section is continuing the investigation and both defendants were held at the Kona Station cellblock pending a Monday arraignment.

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