Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigation Section, Area I
Lieutenant Rio S. Amon-Wilkins
Phone: (808) 961-2252
Report No. 20-022322
Media Release
Hawaiʻi Island Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old Kailua-Kona man with Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle stemming from an incident that occurred Tuesday evening in Hilo (March 17). Police have identified the individual arrested and charged as Alton Willis.
Shortly before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, South Hilo Patrol officers responded to the parking lot area of the old Hilo Hotel on Kinoole Street for a theft report. Upon making contact with the victim, he informed officers that he had parked his vehicle near the Puna Canoe Club Hale along Hilo Bayfront. When he returned to his vehicle several hours later after paddling, he noticed that his vehicle had been broken into and various items were taken. Using electronic means, the victim was able to track his items to the area of the old Hilo Hotel where he had located Willis on a moped and in possession of his items.
Willis was arrested and transported to the Hilo Police Station. His moped was recovered as evidence and towed to the police station. The victim’s stolen items were also recovered from the suspect.
Detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continued this investigation.
After conferring with prosecutors, Willis was charged with first-degree Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle (UEMV) and Unauthorized Possession of Personal Confidential Information. Total bail set at $4,000.00
Willis remains in police custody pending his initial court appearance scheduled for today, Thursday (March 19) in Hilo District Court.
Police remind residents to be vigilant, always secure their vehicles, and do not leave items of value in them. Also, to report all suspicious activity to the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
