Maui Man Arrested in Alleged Attempted Sex Assault at Mall Bathroom
Raymond Birano Jr.
A 58-year-old man was arrested after an alleged attempted sex assault incident at a restroom near the food court at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, police said.
The incident was reported at around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019.
According to Maui police, a 40-year-old woman was walking to the women’s bathroom when she was grabbed by a male offender who forced her inside the men’s bathroom and into a stall. The man allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened to sexually assault her, police said.
According to police reports, the woman was able to push the man away and ran out of the bathroom and notified mall security. The man fled the mall, but police say security personnel were able to catch him nearby and detain him until police arrived.
Maui police have since identified the man as Raymond Birano, Jr., and say his last known address was in Haʻikū. Birano was charged with the offense(s) of first degree attempted sexual assault, first degree terroristic threatening and kidnapping.
His bail was set at $500,000.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center photo by Wendy Osher.
Maui Now solicited comment from mall management, and has since received the following statement:
“QKC management seeks to assure the public that the shopping center is a safe and secure environment for patrons, tenants and staff. As a privately-owned property that invites the public to visit for shopping, dining and entertainment, the center has a zero-tolerance code of conduct policy which is actively enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
“The January 3, 2019 incident was immediately responded to by QKC Security and the alleged perpetrator detained until Maui Police Department arrived, conducted their investigation and an arrest was made. QKC issued an immediate ban of this individual on the QKC property.
“QKC Security undergo an extensive and ongoing training regimen that exceeds state licensing requirements. Visible and vigilant throughout their patrols, the team works to deter crime by consistently observing and monitoring patrons and their activities, as well as providing preventive and safety guidance. Along with vehicle and foot patrol, video cameras are used in various areas throughout the property and additional cameras will be added in the very near future.
“We encourage customers and tenants to work together with QKC and contact security regarding suspicious activity and/or for medical assistance at 877.0718 or text 451.9663. Emergencies should be directed to 911.”
*Note: This post has been updated to include information provided by management of the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.
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