NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Japanese student drowns off Big Isle

A 17-year-old exchange student from Japan apparently drowned yesterday while swimming at Hapuna Beach State Park on the Big Island, police said.

Lifeguards found the boy unresponsive in shallow waters and tried to resuscitate him.

The teen was taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:39 a.m.

Police said the boy was in Hawaii on an exchange program and was on a field trip with teachers and students at the time.

WAIKIKI

Assault on officer leads to charges

A 41-year-old Waikiki man was charged over the weekend with first-degree assault on a police officer after he allegedly jabbed his finger in the officer's eye.

Richard Thourot was being held on $25,000.

The officer was taken to the Queen's Medical Center in good condition.

LEEWARD OAHU

Man allegedly hits woman and 2 girls

An 18-year-old man was arrested yesterday after he allegedly hit two girls with a stolen vehicle and fled the scene in Waianae.

Police said the man was standing outside his ex-girlfriend's vehicle at about 7 a.m. when he reached inside and punched the 34-year-old woman.

Then he allegedly entered the car and drove off. While backing up, he hit two girls, 12 and 13, causing minor injuries, and fled after hitting a stationary object, police said.