MEDIA RELEASE

A 25-year-old Hilo man was safely taken into custody Friday afternoon (July 16) following an approximately three-hour standoff with police.

Around 9 a.m. Friday, South Hilo Patrol Officers responded to a home in the Wainaku area of Hilo for a landlord/tenant type call. There, officers were confronted with a man wielding a knife who had suicidal ideations. The suspect then barricaded himself inside the apartment.

The Police Department’s Special Response Team was activated shortly thereafter.

Just about noon, the man surrendered to officers and was taken to Hilo Medical Center for an emergency psychiatric evaluation. His apprehension was based on his clear need for immediate medical attention. He was not arrested for any criminal offenses at this time.