Man arrested for terroristic threatening in Waimea

A 55-year-old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon for terroristic threatening in Waimea.

The incident began earlier in the day with a report of a man at a Waimea shopping center hitting a car with a hand tool, possibly a hatchet.

Upon arrival, officers learned the man had fled the area on foot. In the course of investigation, police determined the identity of the suspect. After making a check of his residence on Kaomoloa Place, officers were unable to locate him.

At around 1:30 p.m., the suspect’s girlfriend reported that he was back at home and was smashing her car with an axe.

Upon arriving at the home, police determined the man had again fled on foot. Officers initiated an extensive search of the adjacent areas on foot and by vehicle.

After Waimea Elementary School officials were informed of the search, the school went into lockdown at 1:51 p.m. out of an abundance of caution.

Officers assisted in making sure the campus was clear, and the school lifted the lockdown at 2:28 p.m. after learning the suspect had been arrested at about 2:24 p.m.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police did not name the man who was arrested, and charges had not been filed Wednesday afternoon.