Former UFC Star B.J. Penn Arrested for Restraining Order Violation
HILO, Hawai‘i — In a troubling turn of events, former UFC fighter B.J. Penn was arrested Thursday for breaching a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by his mother, 79-year-old Lorraine Shin. The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. in the Pu‘u‘eo Street area, where law enforcement found Penn inside a residence, violating the terms of the court order.
Arrest Details
Hawai‘i Island police swiftly located Penn nearby and arrested him without incident. He was subsequently processed at the Hilo Police Station and released after posting a $3,000 bail. The temporary restraining order had been extended on May 27, following prior allegations of family abuse against his mother.
Background of Allegations
The legal proceedings surrounding Penn have been alarming. Lorraine Shin had previously reported an incident on May 25, during which her son allegedly took her mail and forcibly shoved her into a vehicle. In her court filing, Shin expressed concern for her son’s mental health, citing a belief that he may be suffering from Capgras delusional syndrome, a psychiatric condition that leads individuals to believe that close family members have been replaced by impostors.
“My son Jay Dee Penn, aka B.J. Penn, is suffering from Capgras delusional syndrome,” Shin stated in her application for the TRO, highlighting the complex dynamics of their relationship.
Upcoming Court Appearance
B.J. Penn is scheduled to make his initial appearance in family court on Friday, June 13. This latest arrest marks a continued spiral of troubling incidents for the former athlete, drawing attention not only for his professional achievements within the octagon but also for his ongoing legal challenges and issues with mental health.
Further updates are expected as this story develops.
Key Points
- Arrest Date: June 12, 2025
- Location: Pu‘u‘eo Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i
- Charges: Violation of temporary restraining order
- Bail: $3,000 posted
- Next Court Date: June 13, 2025
The strain between Penn and his mother underscores the critical importance of addressing mental health issues, particularly in high-profile cases that attract public scrutiny.

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