A Kona man has been charged with five offenses after carrying a loaded shotgun on a public highway in Kealakekua, according to Big Island police.

At 8 a.m. Tuesday, a motorist reported seeing a local man in a red-hooded sweatshirt carrying what appeared to be a rifle while walking on the side of Mamalahoa Highway in the area of Hale Ki'i Street in Kealakekua.

Responding officers located a man fitting that description and holding what appeared to be a rifle.

When the officers approached him, the suspect fled into brush area behind Pualani Terrace.

The officers located and arrested 39-year-old Ioster Henly of Kailua-Kona and recovered a loaded shotgun.  Police recovered an additional 16 rounds of shotgun ammunition on Henly's person.  He was taken to the Kona police cellblock while detectives continued the investigation.

At 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, detectives charged Henly with possessing a loaded firearm on a public highway, place to keep loaded firearm, place to keep ammunition, registration mandatory and permit to acquire.

His bail was set at $13,000. He remained at the cellblock until his initial court hearing Thursday.