Car crash kills 1-year-old boy on Big Island

KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) - A 1-year-old boy died after he was hit by a car Saturday night in a parking lot in Kailua-Kona, according to Big Island police.

The boy was identified as Benwa Benjimon.

Police said at around 7:55 p.m., the driver of a white 1996 Chevrolet Suburban was trying to reverse into a parking stall in the Kahaluu Housing parking lot, but the boy was standing in front of the car as it pulled forward, causing critical injuries.

The victim was taken to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officers arrested the driver, 38-year-old Benjimon Gideon, but released him pending further investigation.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 961-8300.