Hilo Man Charged in Jeep Rim and Tire Theft Spree

31-year-old Shalton Estocado faces multiple felony counts for stealing from Jeep Wranglers

Mar. 20, 2026 at 1:03am

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Shalton Estocado, a 31-year-old Hilo resident, has been arrested and charged in relation to a series of theft incidents involving the spare tires and rims from three different Jeep Wranglers in the Hilo area. During a traffic stop, police recovered stolen Jeep parts, tools, drugs, and drug paraphernalia from Estocado's vehicle.

Why it matters

Jeep Wrangler owners in the Hilo community have faced an uptick in thefts targeting the popular SUV's removable spare tires and rims, which can be valuable on the black market. This case highlights the ongoing challenge of property crime and drug-related offenses in the area.

The details

According to police, Estocado was charged with three counts of Theft in the Second Degree, three counts of Habitual Property Crime, and two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree after a traffic stop on March 11. A search of his vehicle uncovered seven Jeep OEM rims, a power drill, wrenches, sockets, a glass smoking pipe, and two packets containing methamphetamine.

  • On March 11, officers conducted a traffic stop on Estocado while he was operating a Nissan Frontier.
  • On March 14, Estocado appeared in Hilo Circuit Court for return on an Information charge warrant.
  • Estocado is scheduled to appear for an appointment of counsel hearing on March 30.

The players

Shalton Estocado

A 31-year-old Hilo resident who was arrested and charged in relation to a series of thefts targeting Jeep Wranglers in the area.

Patrick Muñoz

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney handling the case against Estocado.

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What they’re saying

“The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

— Patrick Muñoz, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 30 whether to appoint counsel for Estocado as he faces the multiple felony charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of property crime and drug-related offenses in the Hilo area, with thieves specifically targeting valuable Jeep parts. It underscores the need for continued law enforcement efforts and community vigilance to address these issues.