Los Angeles

Two men suspected of illegal night hunting close to Oprah Winfrey's Hawaiian estate have been arrested, according to reports. The incident unfolded shortly before midnight on June 21, according to a press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), issued on Monday, July 1.

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The suspects, identified as Luke Allen and Ty Munoz, both 19-year-old residents of Upcountry Maui, were taken into custody after officials observed them allegedly using a spotlight for hunting purposes. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of a loaded shotgun and a loaded rifle inside their vehicle.

"This happened near the intersection of Thompson Road and Kamaʻole Road, in the Kula area of Upcountry Maui," the press release stated. "Thompson Road is a public road that runs through private property owned by the Oprah Winfrey Ranch."

Authorities further allege that Allen and Munoz were hunting without valid licenses, carrying ammunition in the vehicle, and trespassing on private land without permission, all during nighttime hours. Additionally, the rifle found in Allen’s possession was reportedly unregistered.

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Both individuals were booked at the Maui Police Station in Wailuku and now face a slew of charges. Munoz was arrested and booked for possession of a loaded firearm, hunting without a license, illegal night hunting on private property, and using artificial light for hunting. Allen faces similar charges, with an additional count for possessing unregistered firearm equipment.

A spokesperson for Winfrey's Harpo Inc. later clarified to People that the arrests did not occur on Winfrey's property but nearby.