According to a media release issued by the Hawai'i Police Department, a 38-year-old woman was arrested for charges related to abuse, assault, and the promotion of a dangerous drug. HPD reports the woman abused her 4-year-old daughter, assaulted her 74-year-old neighbor, and was found in possession of methamphetamine following an incident at 10:45 p.m. Friday, July 21.
"Hawai'i Island police have arrested and charged 38-year-old Alicia Jean Nakamura of Hilo with abuse, assault, and promoting a dangerous drug following an incident in Mountain View late Friday evening, July 21, 2023," HPD wrote in its release.
Hawai'i News Now added police found Nakamura had a bag of methamphetamine when they found her.
According to HPD, Nakamura is in custody following an incident that occurred on the evening of Friday in Mountain View. Authorities report Puna patrol officers responded to an "unknown type of disturbance" on Friday on North Ala Road near the intersection of Highway 11.
Hawai'i News Now reported police said Nakamura’s daughter ran screaming to neighbors after claiming her mother choked her on Friday.
"Upon arrival, officers determined that a 74-year-old woman was assaulted by Nakamura," HPD said in its press release. "The victim reported that she was awakened by a child screaming outside of her residence and upon exiting her home, located a young female child on the street alone who said she was scared. The victim asked the child where her mother was, and the child pointed down the street. The victim then walked the child back to her mother where she was assaulted by the child's mother, later identified as Nakamura."
Hawai'i News Now added Nakamura could face prison time or probation.
HPD reported Nakamura and her 4-year-old daughter fled the area prior to police arrival, but were later located several miles away hiding in the grass. Nakamura was arrested for assaulting her neighbor, abuse against the child due to observable injuries, and for promoting a dangerous drug after being found in possession of methamphetamine. A forensic interview with the child resulted in the addition of a felony abuse charge, as the child alleged: "Her mother grabbed the front part of her neck with one hand and squeezed to a point where she couldn't breathe." Police said the child was placed in Child Welfare Services for her safety.
HPD also reported it identified an 11-month-old girl who drowned at a residence in Hilo on July 6. HPD added the child died after family members and Hawai’i Fire Department medics gave CPR.
According to the Hawai'i County Prosecutor's Office, Nakamura remains in custody in lieu of a $32,000 bail. She has been charged with Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member, petty misdemeanor Abuse of a Family or Household Member, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, and Assault in the Second Degree. The two most serious charges are both class C felony offenses and can result in either a 5-year prison term or 5-years probation, as well as up to 12 months in jail or four-years probation and up to twelve months in jail.
HPD wrote police found the 11-month-year-old and the mother in an inflatable pool in approximately one-foot deep water.
According to the Hawai'i County Prosecutor's Office, Officer Dallas Arce from Puna Patrol initiated the case, and Detective Kevin Brodie from the Area I Juvenile Aid Section of the HPD led the felony investigation. Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Roland Talon and Kirsten Selvig are handling the prosecution of the case. Anyone with information regarding this incident that may assist local law enforcement is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.