64-year-old Jean-Marc Andre Offergeld of Hilo was arrested after allegedly attacking police officers during a DUI incident. The officers sustained minor injuries in the scuffle, with one officer being bitten by the suspect’s dog. The incident occurred in Hilo, Hawaii, and resulted in Offergeld facing various charges.
On responding to a report about a man asleep in a car blocking an apartment’s driveway, Officer Alexis Amon-Wilkins discovered a white 1995 Toyota Corolla with the engine idling. Upon inspecting the vehicle, she found two ziplock bags of marijuana, a smaller ziplock bag containing dried psilocybin mushrooms, and three opened cans of Sierra Nevada Big Little Thing IPA, a high-alcohol content beer.
Offergeld, who was slumped over at the wheel, allegedly refused to take a field-sobriety test. Amon-Wilkins proceeded to inform him that he was under arrest for DUI. In response, Offergeld purportedly assaulted her, striking her thrice in the head, grabbing her hair, and refusing to let go. He also kicked her left knee while his dog bit her lower right leg.
Amon-Wilkins employed pepper spray and her Taser, but Offergeld persistently resisted until Officers Greg Matias and Jonathan Kailiuli arrived to assist in subduing him. Both Amon-Wilkins and Matias received medical treatment for their injuries, while Offergeld was taken to Hilo Medical Center for minor injuries and blood testing.
This incident marked the second time within three weeks that Amon-Wilkins was allegedly assaulted by an intoxicated and uncooperative suspect whose vehicle obstructed public passage.
Offergeld now faces multiple charges, including assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, and DUI. He was also charged with possession of drugs and an open container of liquor in his vehicle. The most severe charges against him, first-degree assault of a police officer and promotion of dangerous drugs, carry significant penalties.
During Offergeld’s initial court appearance, Hilo District Judge Jeffrey Hawk reduced his bail from $48,000 to $28,000, against the prosecution’s objection. He is set to return to court for a preliminary hearing.
Offergeld, who has no prior felony convictions, remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
The incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face while performing their duties and the need for strict measures to ensure public safety. Authorities are continuously working to uphold the law and protect the community.
For more information, please contact John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
