Volcano man faces firearms charges

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

A 26-year-old Volcano man has been charged with two firearm offenses for an alleged confrontation late Saturday in downtown Hilo.

A 26-year-old Volcano man has been charged with two firearm offenses for an alleged confrontation late Saturday in downtown Hilo.

Officers responding to an 11 p.m. report of a possible affray at the soccer fields off Kamehameha Avenue learned that during a verbal altercation, a man reportedly got out of a sports-utility vehicle brandishing a firearm. He then reportedly returned to the SUV and left.

Police located the car at the intersection of Keawe Street and Mamo Street. Joseph C. Fernandez was initially arrested on suspicion of terroristic threatening. He was taken to the Hilo police cellblock while detectives investigated.

At 5:15 p.m. Monday, Fernandez was charged with possessing a loaded firearm on a public highway and possessing an unregistered firearm. His bail was set at $5,500 and he remained at the cellblock until his initial court hearing today.

Detectives continue to investigate possible terroristic threatening charges.