KAILUA-KONA — The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Kona Patrol Officer Michael Collings as “Officer of the Month” for November in a luncheon ceremony Wednesday at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
Collings was honored for detaining a drunk driver who had tried to run away after a traffic crash.
On June 17, Collings was off duty when he came upon a traffic accident between a car and a pickup truck on King Kamehameha III Road in Keauhou. He stopped to see if the drivers needed medical attention. The driver of the car had only minor injuries. The driver of the truck smelled of alcohol and had red, watery and glassy eyes.
When Collings returned to his car to notify dispatchers about the accident, the driver of the truck began running down the highway. Collings immediately drove after the man, blocked him with his vehicle and stopped him.
Collings told West Hawaii Today he was also looking for his orange vest, the only thing that said “Police” on it when he saw the driver flee.
The driver of the truck was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Collings said he didn’t have his handcuffs with him, so he had to use flexible cuffs instead.
Sgt. David Araki, who nominated Collings for the honor, said the officer “displayed an unwavering dedication and determination to our community.”