MEDIA RELEASE (8/5/11)

Erick Jason Smith

Big Island police are requesting the public’s help in locating a 29-year-old Puna man wanted for questioning in connection with a recently reported sexual assault investigation.

Detectives are seeking Erick Jason Smith, last known to have lived in the Hawaiian Acres subdivision. He is described as being of Caucasian descent 6-foot, 180 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes, a medium build and a fair to lightly-tanned complexion.

Detectives with the Juvenile Aid Section are continuing this investigation.

Police ask that anyone with information on Smith’s location call 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 (8/30/11)

Erick Jason Smith

Big Island police have located 29-year-old Erick Jason Smith of Kurtistown, who was wanted in connection with the sexual assault of an adult female on August 2.

Smith was arrested August 6 on suspicion of kidnapping, theft, criminal property damage, interfering with reporting a crime and six counts of sexual assault. After conferring with prosecutors, detectives released him pending further investigation.

Police thank the public for their assistance.