Police ID man arrested in connection with fatal crash

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Hawaii Island police on Monday identified the 19-year-old man arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and negligent homicide in connection with a Thursday night crash that left a woman dead.

The suspect was identified Monday as Trevor K. Shoemaker-Hassey, of Kailua-Kona, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

The department previously did not release his name, though West Hawaii Today requested the information on Friday.

Shoemaker-Hassey was released pending further investigation within 48 hours of his arrest Thursday night, in accordance with law.

Police allege Shoemaker-Hassey was driving a white 2019 Nissan Rogue on Mamalahoa Highway when the vehicle crossed the centerline near Akina Place and collided head-on with a 2018 Nissan Versa driven by 63-year-old Kailua-Kona resident Rhonda Dee Freedman, according to police.

Shoemaker-Hassey and his 17-year-old female passenger were not injured in the collision.

Police arrested Shoemaker-Hassey on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, negligent homicide, reckless endangering and reckless driving.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision should contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 22nd traffic fatality this year compared to 12 at this time last year.