Hawai'i Island Police have arrested and charged 26-year-old Tyron Keoki Willett of Hilo in connection with a vehicle theft incident that occurred in Pāhoa on September 23, 2023. Willett faces multiple charges including defacing serial numbers on motor vehicles, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (auto theft), and theft.
According to reports, Puna patrol officers received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a residence in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision in Pāhoa. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found an unoccupied black Nissan 350Z two-door coupe. Upon checking the license plate, they discovered it was registered to a white Honda four-door sedan. Further suspicion arose when officers noticed the absence of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the dashboard.
Officers made contact with Willett, who was found sleeping in the garage of the residence. He was arrested for two outstanding bench warrants related to defacing serial numbers on motor vehicles. Willett was then transported to the East Hawai'i Detention Center, where he remained in custody while the investigation continued. The stolen vehicle, the black Nissan, was later recovered and taken to the Hilo police station pending the execution of a search warrant.
During the execution of the search warrant, detectives discovered that numerous Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) throughout the vehicle had either been damaged or removed. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen from a business in Kailua-Kona on June 2, 2023.
After consulting with the County Prosecutor's Office, detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section officially charged Willett with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (UCPV), first-degree theft, and defacing serial numbers on motor vehicles. Willett's bail has been set at a total of $35,000.
The arrest and charges against Tyron Keoki Willett highlight the efforts of the Hawai'i Island Police to combat vehicle theft and related offenses. The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities or vehicles to help prevent such incidents in the future.