Police find large weapons cache in Waikiki raid prompted by disturbing online posts
WAIKIKI (HawaiiNewsNow) - The FBI and Honolulu police are investigating after finding a large cache of loaded weapons during a raid of a Waikiki hotel room that sources say was prompted by disturbing posts on social media.
The arsenal included a high-powered rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and an assortment of other weapons.
But the man staying in the room wasn't arrested.
The FBI notified Honolulu police Thursday about a guest in room 803 at the Equus Hotel, saying he was claiming to be a federal agent in disturbing posts on social media.
The 38-year old claimed his mission was to hunt terrorist cells.
When police arrived at the Equus on Ala Moana Boulevard, sources say, they found an arsenal:
- An AR-15, and 15 high-capacity magazines — all loaded.
- A shotgun and two handguns.
- A total of more than 800 rounds of ammunition, plus 18 military styles knives and body armor.
The weapons were legally registered to the man, and having them in his room was also legal.
"There was no danger," said Mike Dailey, manager at the hotel. "The gentlemen was here. He was a guest staying here. He left and then there was an FBI and police investigation."
Sources say that police did find psychiatric medication in the room, allowing them to seize the cache until a mental health evaluation can be completed. He was taken to a hospital for that.
"He had a room here and they're looking at the stuff in his room," Dailey said. "I don't know that there are any weapons. I think you'll have to talk to the police about that."
The man has been living in Hawaii for about three years in a Makiki apartment, but had only been staying a the hotel for a few days.
If he is deemed mentally fit, he could get his weapons back.
Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
