SARATOSA COUNTY, Fla. (Island News) — Two Hawaii men were arrested and charged on suspicion of a violent attempted burglary that led to a shooting at a Sarasota County home in late April.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded just before midnight on April 24, 2026 after a man reported gunfire at his home.
Authorities said a helicopter unit tracked a suspect fleeing the home and climbing over a gated community wall before getting into a getaway car, identified as a Chevrolet Equinox, driven by a second person. The car was later stopped by deputies, and both suspects inside were detained.
Investigators identified the suspects as Kalaninuiwahika Moku Kekawa, 42, and Mahijumakani D. Crabbe, 36.
Deputies in Sarasota County arrested two Hawaii men, Kalaninuiwahika Moku Kekawa and Mahijumakani D. Crabb, following an alleged burglary attempt that turned violent. Investigators said shots were fired into a home during the Florida incident. The suspects now face serious charges, including armed burglary.
The victim suffered cuts and wounds on his arms, abdomen and legs after multiple rounds were fired through a sliding glass door. He told investigators he confronted the suspect while he was attempting to break in, at which point he opened fire. He declined medical treatment after being evaluated at the scene.
Deputies later recovered a 9mm handgun along the side of the road near where the suspects were stopped.
During questioning, Kekawa allegedly admitted to attempting the burglary, telling investigators he intended to steal from the home for money. He said he fired the weapon after being startled by the victim in the home.
Authorities said Crabbe drove Kekawa to the neighborhood and planned to pick him up afterward, indicating prior knowledge of the burglary.
Kekawa and Crabbe both face multiple charges, including first-degree burglary of an occupied dwelling while armed, second-degree aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and second-degree shooting into a dwelling.
Kekawa and Crabbe pleaded not guilty to the shooting and attempted robbery. The suspects claimed they were in Sarasota for business.
Both suspects are being held without bail. Crabbe is set to be back in court on the May 15 and Kekawa is set to be in court on the May 22.
This investigation remains ongoing.
