Neighbor Islands

Big Isle victim dies 6 days after attack

A 47-year-old man, who was the victim of an attack last Saturday in Puna, died yesterday at an Oahu hospital.

Daniel Martina of Pahoa sustained head injuries and was taken to Hilo Medical Center, then transferred to the Queen's Medical Center in critical condition.

Martina was found lying unresponsive in a parking lot next to Pahoa Fire Station. The case has been reclassified from assault to second-degree murder.

Police are looking for a person of interest, Robert E. Grant II, 35, of Nanawale. He is 6 feet, 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Police said he might have dyed his hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Rio Amon-Wilkins at 961-2386 or the police department's nonemergency line at 935-3311.

West Oahu

Driver allegedly tries to ram officer

Police caught and arrested a 43-year-old Wahiawa man who allegedly rammed a police officer's motorcycle with his dirt bike in Pearl City.

Police said the man was reported driving recklessly westbound on the H-1 freeway near the Kaamilo overpass yesterday afternoon. A police helicopter assisted by providing directions of the suspect's path.

A solo bike officer caught up with the dirt bike, which had stopped for a traffic light near Waimano Home Road and Noelani Street. The dirt bike's driver allegedly drove at the police motorcycle and knocked it over, police said.

Police arrested him on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder, reckless driving and refusing to stop.

The officer suffered some back pain and was taken to the Queen's Medical Center in good condition. The suspect received scratches to his forearm and was taken to Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi, but refused treatment.