MEDIA RELEASE

John Perez

Hawaiʻi Island police have charged the 43-year-old man who was arrested Tuesday (February 23) in connection with an early morning shooting in Hilo last month.

At 7:30 a.m. Thursday (February 25), after conferring with prosecutors, detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section charged John Perez of Hilo with attempted second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, ownership/possession prohibited and firearm on highway. His bail was set at $350,000. He remains at the Hilo police cellblock pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Friday (February 26).

Police continue to seek individuals who may have witnessed the shooting in the Honoliʻi lookout area shortly before 4:35 a.m. on January 31. Witnesses or persons with any information about this case are asked to contact Detective Clarence Davies at 961-2383 or clarence.davies@hawaiicounty.gov, or Detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or todd.pataray@hawaiicounty.gov.

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 $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribed to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.