MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a suspected burglary and arson at a Puna business that resulted in approximately $20,000 in property damage.

Puna Patrol Officers responded to a 2:15 a.m. call Thursday (May 21) reporting a structure fire at Verna’s Drive-In just off Highway 11 in the Mountain View area. Arriving officers found the front door open and a small fire burning inside.

Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel were also on scene and extinguished the fire. A fire inspector determined that the fire was suspicious in nature, and the business owners confirmed that some items were missing.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section will continue the investigation. Police ask anyone with any information about this case to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 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.