MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police charged a Hilo man last night (January 5th) in connection with an incident that occurred late yesterday afternoon in Waiākea Uka. 18-year-old Jeremy J. Costa, of Hilo was arrested following a confrontation he had with an off-duty police officer. The incident occurred shortly before 5:00 p.m. at a home under construction located near Costa’s residence.

Costa is alleged to have approached the off-duty officer who was in civilian attire and on his own property, challenging him to a fight, threw a rock at the officer’s vehicle then threatened the officer’s life. On duty officers responded to the scene and took Costa into custody at that time without further incident. However, while being transported to the Hilo Police Station, Costa continued making threats to other officers and threatened to blow up the police station.

Costa was charged with harassment, second degree terroristic threatening, first degree terroristic threatening and attempted criminal property damage. He is being held in the Hilo cellblock in lieu of $50,000 bail and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in South Hilo District Court this afternoon (January 6th).

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