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A series of vehicle break-ins that rattled the Kona community in August 2025 has led to the arrest and charges of two individuals, according to Hawaii Island police. Reid Pangelinan, 35, of Waimea, and Jacqueline Barnes-Carrick, 35, of Kailua-Kona, were taken into custody on August 31 and now face multiple felony counts.
The investigation began shortly after 2 p.m. on August 31, when Kona patrol officers responded to the 78-100 block of ʻEhukai Street in Kona following a report of a vehicle possibly linked to an earlier break-in. Upon arrival, officers discovered numerous items inside the car that appeared to be recently stolen. Both suspects were immediately placed under arrest, and the vehicle was seized as evidence.
Detectives from the Hawaii Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section took over the case. Their follow-up work, which included contacting multiple victims and executing a search warrant, connected the stolen goods to five separate vehicle break-ins. The search warrant also turned up suspected narcotics: approximately 31.2 grams of marijuana and 0.5 grams of methamphetamine.
Pangelinan was charged with five counts of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, two counts of second-degree theft, four counts of third-degree criminal property damage, one count of habitual property crime, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug (methamphetamine), and second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug (marijuana). His total bail was set at $100,000.
Barnes-Carrick, charged as an accomplice, faces five counts of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, two counts of second-degree theft, and four counts of third-degree criminal property damage. Her bail was set at $39,000.
Kona, a popular tourist and residential area on the Big Island, has seen a noticeable uptick in vehicle break-ins in recent months. According to data from the Hawaii Crime Prevention Program, more than 80% of such incidents involve unlocked vehicles or valuables left in plain sight. The police department is urging residents and visitors to take simple precautions: remove all valuables, lock doors, and park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Hawaii Police Department reminds the public that even a small item like a charging cable or a bag can attract thieves. “Our best defense is prevention,” said a department spokesperson in a statement. “We encourage everyone to adopt a ‘zero visible valuables’ rule when leaving their vehicle unattended.”
Anyone with information about this investigation or who may have been a victim of a Kona area car break-in is encouraged to contact Area II Criminal Investigation Detective Cacique Melendez at 808-326-4646, extension 3421, or via email at cacique.melendez@hawaiipolice.gov. The department also welcomes anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
The case highlights a broader trend in Hawaii: property crime remains a persistent challenge. In 2024, the Hawaii Police Department reported over 1,200 vehicle break-ins across the island, with Kona accounting for nearly a third of those incidents. Police have stepped up patrols in high-traffic areas, but they emphasize that community vigilance is key.
Both suspects are scheduled to appear in court later this month. Their next hearing is expected to address bail conditions and preliminary motions. The stolen items, which include electronics, personal documents, and luggage, have been returned to the victims, according to investigators.
