Hawai‘i Island police charged 32-year-old Aina Kealoha Bill Cachero with a number of offenses following a February 3 officer-involved shooting incident in Hilo.
After conferring with the County Prosecutors Office, Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives charged Cachero with the following offenses:
- Second-degree robbery
- First-degree theft
- Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (UCPV)
- Habitual property crime
- Two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening
Cachero’s bail was set at $90,000. The charges against Cachero stem from an incident involving South Hilo Patrol officers who responded to a report of an active vehicle theft from a residence. It was reported that the suspect had entered the victim’s truck and began driving away before being physically stopped and removed by the its owner. Responding officers were provided a description of the suspect, later identified as Cachero, and were informed that he had left the area on foot.
Officers eventually located a male walking south on Kumukoa Street who matched Cachero’s description. As they attempted to contact him, he began to run away, at which point he was observed reaching into his waistband area, pulling out a dark-colored pistol, and turning his body towards the officers. As clear commands were given, one of the officers drew his weapon. Cachero ignored the officers’ commands, and one officer subsequently discharged his duty weapon, striking him in the upper shoulder area. Police officers on scene provided first-aid on Cachero until HFD medics arrived. He was arrested and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was treated and released. He was then transported to the Hilo Police Cellblock pending investigation. There were no reported injuries to bystanders or the responding officers. Cachero was not charged with firearms crimes because an examination determined that he brandished a non-functioning firearm. The Office of Professional Standards has initiated a standard internal administrative investigation. The involved officer is a five-year veteran of the department, and has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review of this incident. In addition to the February 3 charges, Cachero was also charged with the following offenses for an unrelated incident reported in late January:
- First-degree theft
- Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (UCPV)
- Habitual property crime
- Theft of credit card
- Unauthorized possession personal confidential information
- Fraud use credit card
- Third-degree identity theft
- Fourth-degree theft
Bail for these charges was set at $44,000. These charges stem from a January 24 incident in which a female victim reported her Hilo apartment was entered while she was asleep. During this time her purse with credit cards and car keys were removed. The victim also reported that her vehicle was stolen, and later learned that her credit cards were fraudulently used. During the course of this investigation, Cachero and 19-year-old Shayla-Rae Pomroy were identified as suspects. Pomroy was arrested and charged with various offenses.
Cachero remains in police custody pending his initial Hilo District Court appearance this afternoon.
HPD Photo