PUNA — Walter Gomes, 47, of Puna was arrested and charged following an armed robbery and vehicle theft in Kona. Gomes allegedly brandished a firearm at the owner of a Toyota Corolla before stealing the vehicle.
Police located and arrested Gomes the next day after spotting the stolen car in the Parker Ranch Center parking lot.
At his initial appearance in Kona District Court, Gomes’ bail was set at $293,000. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing.
The complaint charges Gomes with multiple offenses including first-degree robbery, first-degree motor vehicle theft, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, and several firearms violations. Notably, he faces first-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree assault against a law enforcement officer, and criminal property damage.
Robbery in the first degree and use of a firearm during a felony are class A felonies, each carrying potential prison terms of up to 20 years. Prosecutors have indicated Gomes may face mandatory prison time without probation if convicted.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Annaliese Wolf is prosecuting the case.