KAPA‘A — It’s the sort of neighborhood where burglaries rarely or ever occur. “This is the first time in 31 years that I know of,” Paul Morimoto said. “It’s a pretty good neighborhood. It’s not the first break in in
KAPA‘A — It’s the sort of neighborhood where burglaries rarely or ever occur.
“This is the first time in 31 years that I know of,” Paul Morimoto said. “It’s a pretty good neighborhood. It’s not the first break in in this subdivision, but it was the first time on this street that I know of.”
Paul’s father, Wayne Morimoto, or Moto as he is known, has lived on Luana Street in Kapa‘a for more than 30 years. Their nearest neighbors have lived there at least 10 years. “We are all pretty close as far as neighbors go,” Paul said.
Three neighbors — Darren Auger, Davin Galvez and Aukai Ka‘auwai — were talking story on a porch Saturday when they saw a young man a BMX bike riding slowly through the neighborhood.
He seemed to be taking a little too much interest in the houses he was passing, said Ron Kadey, another neighbor.
The young male got off of his bike and walked toward Morimoto’s house. They began to suspect something was wrong when he kept looking around and then seemed to disappear behind the house.
According to Kadey, the men called Morimoto at work to inform him that a burglary was in progress at house. Moto reportedly left for home immediately.
In the meantime, the three discovered an open window and believed the youth entered the home. They separated and positioned themselves at the front and back-door, with the third man by the open window.
After knocking on the door, the alarmed youth came out the window and a struggle ensued, Kadey said. They reportedly subdued the youth, but he slipped out of his backpack and a chase ensued around the carport.
The men, all over the age of 30, couldn’t keep up with the 17-year-old as he led chase over fences and several back yards, Kadey said. It wouldn’t be long before they would see him again.
Meanwhile, Kaua‘i Police Department had responded to a nearby home alarm that was set off by an intruder. Someone had come through a kitchen window and went out the front door, which triggered the alarm. There was no confirmation, but Morimoto’s neighbors believed it was the same burglar because the incident occurred just a few blocks away.
According to KPD, a 17-year-old suspect was arrested Dec. 17 at 11:39 a.m. near Morimoto’s residence. The police report notes that the suspect was observed entering the residence and that witnesses were able to identify him. Police later discovered that the juvenile suspect was also wanted for a no-bail warrant.
Whether heroes or good Samaritans, the three men came to the rescue of their neighbor’s property.
“I’d like to say thank you to my three friends,” Paul said.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
