Gerald Silva, 45, the Kalaheo man arrested Thursday afternoon after he arrived in front of the Kaua-i County Police headquarters in Lihu-e armed with a rifle and threatening to kill cops, was arraigned Friday afternoon at the county courthouse on
Gerald Silva, 45, the Kalaheo man arrested Thursday afternoon after he arrived in front of the Kaua-i County Police headquarters in Lihu-e armed with a rifle and threatening to kill cops, was arraigned Friday afternoon at the county courthouse on five charges, including attempted murder in the first degree.
He also faced two counts of terroristic threatening in the first degree, one misdemeanor firearms charge and a charge of possession of a switchblade knife.
Silva was quiet and showed no emotion during his arraignment.
A preliminary court hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Silva remained Friday in custody at the Kaua`i Community Correctional Center in lieu of $500,00 bail.
According to police Lt. Alvin Seto, no motive for Silva’s bizarre actions has yet been established.
Neighbors reportedly said Silva had been telling people he has a terminal illness. But Seto said that was not true.
“He is not terminally ill,” Seto said, noting detectives had questioned Silva’s family members about his health and other issues.
Silva was wrestled to the ground Thursday by police officer Randy Chong Tim. Silva’s weapon fired once during the struggle, but no one was injured.
The incident raised questions about security against potential violence at the police station and other public places.
There is no physical security at the police station or at the county prosecutor’s office. The courthouse has metal detectors just inside the front door that visitors, attorneys and others involved in trials must pass through.
Prisoners transported from the Kaua`i Community Correctional Center are brought in a rear door of the courthouse on a chain.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
