- Hawaii Police Department - https://www.hawaiipolice.com -

Two Suspects Held in Burglary Investigation 01-10-01

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
HILO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
DETECTIVE ANDREW BURIAN
PHONE: 961-2397
JANUARY 10, 2001

MEDIA RELEASE

Hilo police have charged two suspects with a number of offenses related to burglaries and thefts in Hilo.

The suspects were identified as Stephen Mark Wessing, 46, of a Banyan Drive address, and Amos James “Butch” Smith, 54, of a Keaa Street address. Wessing is being held in the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of $15,000 bail, and Smith is being held in lieu of $8,000 bail.

Wessing is charged with one count of burglary, one count of first-degree theft, two counts of third-degree theft, two counts of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and one count of prohibited ownership or possession of a firearm.

Smith is charged with two counts of prohibited ownership or possession of a firearm.

The two were arrested after a police investigation of burglaries that occurred Monday (January 8, 2001) at the Big Island Car Doctor and Hawaii Petroleum.

While conducting neighborhood checks, Hilo patrol officers discovered several items taken in the Car Doctor repair shop burglary.

Later, Hilo Criminal Investigation Section detectives responded and developed information leading to two search warrants being executed at Smith�s Auto Repair and the old Shuman Lumber Company office. Subsequently, detectives recovered more than $10,000 in stolen property.

Hilo CIS detectives are continuing the investigation of numerous burglaries and thefts in the Houselots, Banyan peninsula and Keaukaha areas.

Anyone with information related to these burglaries is asked to call Detective Andrew Burian of the Hilo CIS at 961-2381.

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.

# # #