HILO, Hawaiʻi — A man suspected of assault tried to flee from police by jumping into Hilo Bay on Monday, but was arrested shortly after returning to shore.
The suspect, Jeremy Rios, 43, of Paʻauilo, leapt into the bay near the Wailuku River and the “Singing Bridge” by the lighthouse on Highway 19, according to Hawaiʻi Island police. The Hawaiʻi Fire Department responded with a search and rescue team on standby for potential diving operations.
After returning to shore, Rios was taken into custody without incident.
During the ongoing investigation, police identified Rios as the same person caught on surveillance footage breaking into a nearby Hilo bar around 5:08 a.m. that morning. He was seen stealing alcohol from the business without permission.
Rios was arrested for multiple offenses and is currently being held at the Hilo Police Station. Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation.
