StarBulletin.com

Man held in Koko Crater attacks


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POSTED: Monday, February 02, 2009

Police were holding a 19-year-old Kalihi man today who allegedly stabbed two hikers atop Koko Crater.

The suspect, identified as Benjamin Davis, of a Waiakamilo Road address, was arrested at 10:50 p.m. yesterday for investigation of attempted first-degree murder.

Police were called to the popular hiking trail in Hawaii Kai at about 3:22 p.m.

One of the victims, a 57-year-old man, was stabbed once in the chest, police said. He ran down the trail and told other hikers to call police. When officers arrived, they found the other victim, a man appearing to be in his 20s, on the trail with several stab wounds, police said.

Firefighters used a helicopter to get the injured men down from the trail to Koko Head District Park. Both were taken to the Queen's Medical Center at about 4:15 p.m., according to Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Robert Main.

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The younger man was listed in critical condition, according to Bryan Cheplic, spokesman of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. The other victim was listed as serious, Cheplic said.

The suspect fled down the mountain after the assaults, police said. Heavily armed officers and the police helicopter searched Hawaii Kai neighborhoods around the mountain. He was taken into custody around 7:30 p.m. above Ahukini Street, on the mauka flanks of the extinct volcanic cinder cone.

Homicide Lt. Bill Kato was about to go on his regular hike on Koko Crater when the stabbing occurred. Kato, who is not overseeing this case, said it doesn't appear that the suspect knew the victims.

The younger victim remained in critical but stable condition this morning, Kato said.

A police report said Davis was taken to the Castle Medical Center in Kailua for observation. He was arrested there and transferred to police headquarters at 801. S. Beretania St. No charges had been filed against Davis as of 9 a.m. today.

A motive for the attacks was unknown last night.