Suspect arrested in Aala stabbing

A man suffers a chest wound, possibly over an argument about a compact disc

A man was in serious condition yesterday after a stabbing at Aala Park -- one of two on Oahu within an hour -- that may have started as an argument over a compact disc.

Paramedics took the victim to the Queen's Medical Center in serious condition.

Less than a mile from the scene, police arrested the suspect on suspicion of felony assault. Police declined to identify the men or give their ages yesterday, but a city Emergency Medical Services official said the victim was in his 30s.

About 3:15 p.m., police responded to a call for medical assistance at Aala Park, but didn't find anyone who needed help, said Honolulu police Sgt. Yiu Chan.

About 15 minutes later, Kalihi police officers spotted three men carrying an unconscious man near the entrance to Mayor Wright Housing on Pua Lane. The men told police their friend had been stabbed at Aala Park.

Chan said the victim was stabbed in the chest possibly in a "dispute over a CD."

John Kinti, who helped carry the victim to Mayor Wright Housing, said he was trying to take him to his home.

"He's not doing good," said Kinti, a friend of the victim, who he knows only as "Benti."

Kinti was visiting Aala Park with Benti under a tree beside the basketball court before the attack. Kinti said he then saw the suspect come up and use something that looked like a "small knife," and then run off toward Chinatown.

"I saw the stab," he said. "I chased the guy. He ran away."

With descriptions from witnesses, police found a suspect about 5 p.m. on Aala Street near the H-1 freeway overpass. He wore a dark shirt and green pants.

Police conducted a field lineup, and Kinti helped identify the suspect.

"Positive identification is the key. That's what happened up there," said police Detective Paul Nagata.

Afterwards, Kinti said, "I miss my friend. I don't like him get hurt."

Near the location where police arrested the suspect, a possible weapon was found, but police declined to say what it was.

Also yesterday, near L&L Drive-In in Windward City Shopping Center, a boy allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old boy in the ribs. Police responded to a 4:13 p.m. call about a stabbing and found the boy's injuries were serious. He was transported to the Queen's Medical Center.

Police arrested the suspect later for investigation of second-degree assault.