Hawaii Island police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place early Sunday in Papaikou.
A South Hilo patrol officer located a late-model Toyota Tacoma and an early-model Nissan Altima on Enoka Place in Papaikou at approximately 1 a.m. Both had been reported stolen from a home in Pepeekeo.
Along with the two stolen vehicles, the officer noticed a light-green Honda Civic sedan. As the officer exited his own car and approached the three vehicles, the driver of the Honda drove directly at him, police reported. The officer drew and discharged his weapon in the direction of the driver, who swerved around him and fled the area.
The driver of the Nissan was stopped and arrested, while the Toyota sped up Enoka Place and was later found abandoned.
Royden Kekoa Wilbur, 18, who is without a permanent address was arrested on suspicion of second-degree theft and is currently being held at the Hilo police cellblock while Area I Criminal investigators continue to work the case.
Detectives believe the Honda in question may have been stolen from a shopping center on Makaala Street Saturday night and are combing through video footage obtained from businesses in the immediate area. The vehicle reported stolen was described as a 2000 Honda Civic four-door sedan, turquoise in color and with the license plate number ZDH926.
Police have opened an attempted first-degree murder investigation along with an additional second-degree theft and attempted second-degree theft case in response to the incident Sunday morning.
The Area I Criminal Investigations Section will also conduct a criminal investigation into the shooting along with the Office of Professional Standard’s administrative investigation, both of which are standard practice after an officer-involved shooting.
Police request that anyone with information on the Honda Civic or its driver contact the department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or call Detective Sandor Finkey at 961-2384.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers at 961-8300, which keeps all tipster information confidential.