MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police have arrested a 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man in connection with a shooting Friday (July 1) in the parking lot of a local business on Kuakini Highway.

Responding to the 6:10 p.m. call, officers learned that a 54-year-old Kailua-Kona man had been shot during a foot chase that occurred after the 25-year-old male acquaintance attempted to steal the victim’s wallet. The suspect fired a dark colored pistol at the victim striking him in the shoulder and then fled the area in a sport utility vehicle.

The victim was taken to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was treated for a puncture wound caused by a pellet and then released.

On Sunday (July 3) police located and arrested Andrew M. Wanat while in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Kuakini Highway for suspicion of attempted robbery and assault.

Police also recovered a black Co2 pellet gun believed to be the weapon used during the shooting incident.

Wanat is being held at the Kona police cellblock while detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continue the investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (7/5/11)

Andrew M. Wanat

Big Island police have charged a 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man arrested Sunday (July 3) in connection with a shooting Friday (July 1) in the parking lot of a local business on Kuakini Highway.

Andrew M. Wanat was charged at 5 p.m. Monday (July 4) with first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree assault. His bail was set at $12,000.