Puna Information Update for June 25th, 2021

The Hawaii Police Department (HPD) has charged two men in connection with a burglary incident in Hawaiian Acres on Tuesday, June 22nd.

Published by: HIRSC - Hawaii Island (Hilo) Team

info@hiradioscannercommunity.com

Hawai’i Police Department Criminal Investigation Section – Area I Lieutenant Rio S. Amon-Wilkins Phone: (808) 961-2252 Report No.: 21-050326

Hawai’i Island Police have arrested and charged two men following a brief standoff Tuesday afternoon, June 22, 2021, on Uhini Ana Road, in Mountain View.

On Thursday afternoon, June 24, 2021, after conferring with County Prosecutors, police charged 33-year-old Wesley Kaimana Brooks, of Puna with first-degree burglary; and 30-year-old Peter J. Vana-Staudinger, of Hilo with first-degree burglary, and first-degree Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle (UEMV). Brooks’ bail was set at $25,000, and Vana Staudinger’s bail was set at $15,000.

On Tuesday afternoon shortly after 2:30 p.m., Puna Patrol officers responded to a reported active burglary at a residence on Uhini Ana Road, after the property caretaker reported that he heard someone on the property and went to investigate. As he approached the property, he observed a vehicle that did not belong there and heard voices; shortly afterward, he heard gunshots coming from the area of the residence.

The police department’s Special Response Team (SRT) and members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division responded and immediately established a perimeter. Negotiators were unable to make contact with anyone at the residence. The Special Response Team later breached the residence and determined that it was vacant. A short time later, police located Brooks and Vana-Staudinger walking on the roadway above the property. They were arrested without incident.

Brooks and Vana-Staudinger had their initial court appearance today, June 25, in Hilo District Court.