40 year-old Kevin Torres of Pahoa was arrested and charged for an alleged armed carjacking that occurred on April 19, 2024.

According to police reports, Torres was picked up by the owner of a Nissan Versa while hitchhiking along Highway 130. He is alleged to have threatened and brandished, what appeared to be a black pistol, before taking control of said car and driving away.

On May 14, Torres was arrested after being observed to be operating the same vehicle on Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road.

Last week Torres made his initial Hilo District Court appearance where his bail was maintained at $171,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing today.

As the Complaint alleges, Torres is charged with Robbery in the First Degree (in the course of committing theft and/or non-consensual taking of a motor vehicle, was armed with a dangerous instrument or a simulated firearm and threatened the imminent use of force against another person, with intent to compel acquiescence to the taking of or escaping with the property), Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle, a Nissan Versa), Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, and Driving Without a License. Robbery in the First Degree is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twentyyear prison term. Theft in the First Degree is a class B felony offense which carries either a penalty of a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong.

 

HPD Photo