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Barricade suspect threw bottles and attempted to set fire to store

Barricade suspect threw bottles and attempted to set fire to store

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu police released new details about a barricade incident that triggered the evacuation of a busy store Wednesday evening.

Just after 5 p.m., police responded to reports of a man throwing alcohol bottles and damaging property at the Don Quijote store on Kaheka Street.

Upon arrival, officers observed suspect Karon Hayes, 34, in a storage room attempting to set fire to a small box, but was unsuccessful, according to police officials.

Police said Hayes refused to obey orders to leave the room and barricaded himself in the storage room.

Responding units evacuated remaining customers from the store, established a cordon, and secured the store while awaiting a response from the Specialized Services Division (SSD).

Dozens of people waited in the parking lot – a mix of shoppers whose search for bargains and Christmas gifts was interrupted, those who came to shop and employees.

Many only heard about the incident or were surprised by the huge police presence around the building.

Customer Sun Stone said: “We came to buy groceries and all these police cars are here. Sounds like the entire police station in all of Honolulu is here.”

HPD’s Crisis Negotiation Team attempted to make contact with the suspect, police said.

At approximately 10:08 p.m., police said Hayes was taken into custody and arrested for second-degree criminal damage to property.

According to police, damage to the store and property was estimated at over $7,000.

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