Custodial Interference Case Initiatied after Child Found on Big Island

By Wendy Osher

Big Island police have initiated a custodial interference case in connection with a nine-year-old boy who was taken in by a Puna family overnight after the child ran away from home on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

“We want to public to understand that it is not OK to keep a lost child overnight before calling police,” said Assistant Chief Henry Tavares in a statement. “The proper response is to call 911 as soon as possible after you find a child who is lost or wandering alone without adult supervision.”

Police also urge parents to keep a current photo of their children, along with other important details—such as physical description and medical history—to help police if a child goes missing.

Disen Heu-Aragaki was found unharmed in Hilo at 2:40 p.m. on Thursday, March 15.

He was reunited with his family a short time later at the South Hilo police station.

The boy left his Kurtistown home the previous day following an argument with his mother.

Big Island police say a family found Heu-Aragaki wandering alone on 40th Avenue in Orchidland approximately two miles from his home. According to police, the family fed the boy and let him spend the night.

On Thursday, police say the family took the boy with them to a construction site in Hilo. Their relative learned that the boy had been reported missing and called police to report his location.

Police responded to the Railroad Avenue address, and determined that the child was unharmed. As a precautionary measure, Fire Department medics examined the boy and confirmed that he was in good health and had not been injured.

***Supporting information courtesy Big Island Police.