CAPTAIN COOK, Hawaii (KHON2) — A wanted fugitive was arrested and charged with numerous offenses after an alleged “crime spree” that led to an officer-involved shooting on June 4.
Junson Heckerz, 28, is facing charges related to theft, burglary, criminal property damage and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, among others. He also had three outstanding warrants totaling $7,100, according to the Hawai‘i Police Department.
Heckerz is accused of stealing a Captain Cook man’s vehicle on the morning of June 4. When officers responded to a reported traffic collision, they found the stolen vehicle “disabled in the roadway,” but no signs of a collision.
Officials said the owner of the stolen vehicle was riding a utility task vehicle (UTV) and searching for his car. When he found it, he reported seeing a man, later identified as Heckerz, in the driver’s seat.
“After both men exited their vehicles, Heckerz reportedly entered the UTV and fled the scene,” police said Thursday.
Shortly after Heckerz fled, a nearby resident reported that someone had tried to steal their truck from their home. The vehicle owner confronted Heckerz, who again fled the scene. Officers were then notified of a trespassing incident about half a mile away with a suspect matching Heckerz’s description.
When officers arrived at the scene of the alleged trespassing incident, they saw Heckerz in the driver’s seat of the property owner’s car and “attempted to contact” him. Heckerz is accused of reversing down the driveway and driving toward an officer who had to jump out of the way.
Heckerz reportedly crashed through a metal gate, causing part of the gate to be propelled into a parked car nearby. At the same time, an officer fired two shots at the vehicle, but no injuries to officers or the suspect were reported. Heckerz lost control of the car and crashed it into a ditch, after which officers provided aid to and detained the suspect.
According to the Hawai‘i Police Department, the full list of charges Heckerz is facing is included below:
- Three outstanding warrants
- Three counts unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (auto theft)
- Two counts first-degree theft
- First-degree attempted theft
- First-degree burglary
- Unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV)
- Second-degree reckless endangering
- Resist order to stop a motor vehicle
- Fourth-degree theft
- Fourth-degree criminal property damage (CPD)
Heckerz’s bail has been set at $293,100, and he remains in police custody. The officer who fired at the vehicle has been placed on administrative leave.
Anyone who may have witnessed any of the incidents or who may have information has been asked to call the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311, or to call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.