MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police are searching for a man wanted for the attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual assault of a female child in a restroom at a Hilo public school this morning (September 20).

The child managed to escape from the man, who was last seen on Kapiolani Street heading in the direction of Haili Street around 6:30 a.m.

He is described as a man in his 30s with a brown complexion, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds with 2-to-3-inch-long brown or black hair and no facial hair. He was wearing a dark red nylon track suit with white shoulders and elastic cuffs at the wrists. He had on large white wireless headphones and may have been riding a two-wheel bicycle.

Police are very anxious to identify and apprehend this predator before any child is hurt and, therefore, ask that anyone with information on his identity or whereabouts call 911 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (9/20/11)

Suspect has been located and arrested in attempted child sex assault case. Details to come. Mahalo to the public!

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (9/20/11)

Big Island police have arrested a 35-year-old Pāhoa man in connection with the attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual assault of a female child in a restroom at a Hilo public school this morning (September 20).

Samson Perez, also known as Samson Kahumoku, was located on Aupuni Street in Hilo at 9:50 a.m. and arrested without incident on suspicion of fourth-degree sexual assault, attempted kidnapping and attempted first-degree sexual assault. He is being held at the Hilo police cellblock while detectives continue the investigation.