Police briefs
Advertiser Staff
Fireworks blasts investigated
Just days after arresting a bombing suspect, police have launched another investigation into a series of fireworks explosions that have damaged several public facilities, including an 'Ewa Beach library book drop.
Police said bombers struck twice on April 2 and three times on April 9 between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
On April 2, bombers exploded an aerial firework inside a West Loch rubbish can and detonated another one in upper Makakilo, near the Mauka Lani area, police said.
On April 9, the bombers set off fireworks inside a West Loch Fairways residential rubbish can, a book return at 'Ewa Beach library and a toilet at Kapolei Recreation Center, police said.
Police said the bombers have access to illegal aerial fireworks and had established a Monday night pattern at public parks and facilities before breaking the string yesterday. Coincidentally, a previous bombing suspect had been exploding bombs on Monday also, police said.
Yesterday, police staked out about 16 public parks in Kapolei, West Loch and 'Ewa Beach and didn't catch the bombers.
Police said the explosions have not injured anyone, but have the potential of hurting the bombers, others and damaging community property.
Police said the bombers face charges for second-degree criminal property damage and possession of illegal aerial fireworks.
Last Monday, police arrested a 33-year-old Kailua man in connection with two bombings in Chinatown and Kailua last month after witnesses implicated the man.
On March 19, a bomb exploded in the stairwell of the parking garage at Harbor Village Apartments on River Street in Honolulu. On March 26, a bomb exploded outside a classroom at the Kailua Church of Christ and damaged parts of the building.
Anyone with information on the recent series of bombings is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
Department store cashier arrested
Police have arrested a 24-year-old cashier after she allegedly stole thousands of dollars from Liberty House at the Ala Moana Center since last September.
Police arrested the 'Ewa resident last night on suspicion of first-degree theft.
Police said the woman was identified by the store's loss prevention officers to have embezzled more than $20,000. The offenses began in September 2000 and continued until it was discovered this month, police said.
Fugitive sought in sexual assault
Police yesterday were searching for a fugitive who pleaded guilty to sexual assault last month and fled before sentencing.
Joshua Reed, 25, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and other felony charges on March 2, police said. In the sexual assault case that occurred in October 2000 in Kailua, Reed broke into his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend's residence and held the victim and her teenage girlfriend at knifepoint, police said.
Reed sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend before her mother returned home, police said, adding Reed had been stalking the victim and repeatedly told the girl he would hurt her, her family, friends and pets.
Police said Reed used the name Erick Victor to board a plane on March 19 headed for Los Angeles and may have returned to O'ahu.
Anyone with information regarding Reed's whereabouts may contact CrimeStoppers, 955-8300 or *crime on your cellular phone.
