Updated at 3:56 p.m., Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wounded woman roamed forest for days, police say
Advertiser Staff
Big Island police detectives are continuing their investigation into the bizarre abduction and shooting of a 23-year-old Kurtistown woman who was found disoriented and wandering in a remote forest area of Ka'u late Friday morning, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.The woman was reportedly kidnapped from her Big Island home by three people about a week ago, police said yesterday. Investigators believe she was beaten and taken to a remote Wai'ohinu area of Hao Springs Road and shot several times.
The woman, who police say was confused and unsure of her location, remained in the area until Friday.
Police said workers from the Department of Water Supply discovered her Friday morning wandering along an unimproved jeep trail. They contacted authorities and drove the woman to a rescue staging area. From there she was flown in critical condition to the Kona Community Hospital by a Fire Department helicopter. Her condition later improved to serious.
The woman told police that she knows at least one of her assailants.
Authorities ask anyone with information to call Detective Regino Saludares at 808-326-4646, extension 227, or the department's nonemergency number at 808-935-3311.
Those who wish to remain anonymous are asked to call the confidential CrimeStoppers at 808-329-8181 in Kona or 808-961-8300 in Hilo.
