Neighbor Island briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
BIG ISLAND
Puna boy drowns in the Wailuku River
HILO, Hawai'i — A 14-year Puna boy drowned yesterday while swimming in the Wailuku River, a waterway that has claimed the lives of many young swimmers over the years.
Police said Aaron James Luhia-Ogata of Hawaiian Paradise Park was pulled from the water around 2:45 p.m., concluding a search by the Hawai'i County rescue helicopter and fire department diving team. His body was found wedged under a rock near the Wainaku Bridge and the hydroelectric plant in Pu'u'eo.
Investigators said a companion, whom they did not identify by name or age, summoned help after the victim began struggling against a strong undertow. The search was launched at 2:13 p.m.
Luhia-Ogata was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Road rage charges left to prosecutors
KEALAKEHE, Hawai'i — Kona police said it will be up to prosecutors to determine charges in an apparent case of road rage over the weekend in which a 34-year-old motorist was struck by a spear gun fired by a 17-year-old girl.
The teenager and her 26-year-old boyfriend initially were detained on suspicion of attempted murder after the incident Saturday night on Mahilani Drive. Capt. Julian Shiroma said the suspects were released without being charged, and the case will be sent to prosecutors for further action.
The victim was driving north on Route 190 when the suspects began tailgating him, police said. The man reported that when he pulled over on Mahilani Drive, the girl said she was going to kill him, and then fired a spear into his left side, possibly striking a rib.
According to the victim, the suspects sped off but returned moments later. The girl's companion then allegedly tried to run over the man before leaving the scene.
The victim sustained a minor puncture wound and refused medical treatment, police said.
During a check of the area, police located the suspects' vehicle and arrested the couple.
Woman killed in fall is identified
LAUPAHOEHOE, Hawai'i — A North Hilo horse back rider who died in a fall Sunday afternoon while on a family outing in Laupahoehoe has been identified.
The victim was identified by police as Reynette Stevens, 38, who fell from her horse while returning from a ride. She was alone at the time, said Capt. Edwin Rapozo.
Stevens was taken by Hamakua fire paramedics to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.
Rapozo said the sister and brother had discovered a newborn calf during their ride and she was returning to inform the other members of the family when she fell. Relatives said she was unconscious by the time help arrived.
Police said they have ruled the case an accident.
Police close case on pit bull attack
HILO, Hawai'i — Investigators yesterday announced they have closed their case in the weekend biting death of an 18-month-old boy, reclassifying it as a home accident.
Lt. Derek Pacheco said police "uncovered no evidence that the dog had a previous history of violence."
He said an autopsy at Hilo Medical Center conducted Tuesday determined the toddler, Tyran Moniz-Hilderbrand, died of blood loss due to a lacerated jugular vein. He also suffered wounds on his head and back.
The boy's mother, Luana Moniz, 24, is in guarded condition at Hilo Hospital with head, arm and leg wounds she sustained while trying to save her child's life.
Hawaii Humane Society officials said an autopsy conducted on the pit bull known as Bam-Bam turned up nothing unusual.
