Not Guilty plea in fatal shooting

A 70-year-old man pleaded not guilty yesterday in the fatal shooting of a 54-year-old woman who neighbors said had rejected his sexual advances.

Melvin Yoshida is charged with second-degree murder and a firearm violation for allegedly shooting Clare Silva on April 12 at Punchbowl Homes on Captain Cook Avenue, where they both lived.

Police said Yoshida admitted shooting Silva in her apartment. His bail is $500,000. Trial is set for June 22.

Man is sought on bench warrant

Big Island police are searching for a 29-year-old man wanted on a bench warrant for criminal contempt of court.

Eric Jonathan Lichtl is believed to be living in Hilo or Puna. He is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, and has brown eyes and short brown hair.

Police ask that anyone with information call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.

Soldier critically injured on freeway

A 21-year-old Schofield Barracks soldier was hit by a car and critically injured after friends left him on the H-2 freeway early yesterday after arguing in their car, police said.

The soldier, who was not identified, was taken to the Queen's Medical Center in critical condition with head and possible internal injuries after the crash at about 12:25 a.m., according to police. He was dropped off near the H-2 offramp to Wahiawa.

He “;apparently was in an argument with friends in a friend's vehicle at which time they dropped him off on the freeway,”; police Sgt. Andrew Berky said. “;He was walking on the freeway for an unknown reason. Alcohol may have been a factor on the part of the pedestrian.”;

The vehicle that hit him was driven by a 25-year-old Wahiawa man who was not hurt.