Victim confined to the hospital in stable condition

Media release by Hawaii County Police

HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES, Hawaii: Big Island police have arrested a Kaʻū man in connection with a stabbing Monday evening (February 13).

The suspect is identified as 35-year-old Biti Biti Jr. of Ocean View.

Kaʻū Patrol officers responded to a 7:46 p.m. call Monday and were informed that a 44-year-old Ocean View man had been shopping with his wife at a convenience store at the Ocean View Town Center when a male acquaintance confronted him and challenged him to a fight. The suspect reportedly lunged at the victim and stabbed him on the left side of his body near the ribs. As the victim turned to flee, he was stabbed on the back of the neck.

The suspect fled in a white pickup truck.

Fire/Rescue personnel took the victim to Kona Community Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. He remains confined to the hospital in stable condition.

Kaʻū patrol officers located Biti at a house in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision and arrested him at 8:36 p.m. He is being held at the Kona police cellblock while detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continue the investigation.

The motive for the stabbing is still under investigation.

UPDATE, Feb. 15th: Hawaii County Police update:

Big Island police have charged 35-year-old Biti Biti Jr. of Ocean View in connection with a stabbing Monday evening (February 13) at a convenience store at the Ocean View Town Center.

At 1 p.m. Wednesday (February 15), Biti was charged with second-degree assault, driving under the influence and driving without a license. His bail was set at $6,500.

Biti remains at the Kona police cellblock pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Thursday (February 16).

The victim, a 44-year-old Ocean View man, was released from Kona Community Hospital Wednesday after receiving treatment for his injuries.