Two fugitives arrested in Poʻipū; pending extradition to California

Two people wanted in California in connection with the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer were arrested Tuesday evening at Poʻipū Beach in a coordinated multi-agency operation.

Shane Mahoney, 39, of California, and Arianna Mitchell, 22, of California, were located and arrested at approximately 7:20 p.m. on March 3 due to a joint operation carried out by members of the Kauaʻi Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, the state of Hawaiʻi Sheriff’s Division, and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Upon contact with law enforcement, Mitchell fled on foot, leading to a brief pursuit. Officers apprehended both individuals without further incident.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Mahoney was wanted on a warrant for attempted murder and assault with a firearm upon a peace officer in connection with a Feb. 22 incident in which a deputy sheriff’s marked patrol vehicle was struck by gunfire.

Mitchell was sought on a warrant for accessory after the fact. Both individuals are being held pending extradition proceedings to California.

“This was a strong collaborative effort between multiple agencies,” said Kauaʻi Police Department Chief Kalani Ke. “Mahalo to all the officers and agencies involved, including our partners with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hawaiʻi Sheriff’s Division, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and our Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, for their work in safely locating and apprehending these individuals before they could harm anyone else. Thanks to their efforts, no one was injured, and these individuals will be held accountable for their actions.”

“When agencies work together, fugitives have fewer places to hide. This apprehension reflects the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to public safety,” said Kauaʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like.

“The safety and security of our local communities is the No. 1 priority,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Justin Leong. “In collaboration with the Kauaʻi Police Department and all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Hawaiʻi, the U.S. Marshals Service is dedicated to apprehending all violent offenders, local or from the mainland, who jeopardize the safety of our communities.”

For more information on the investigation, see the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department press conference for additional details.