KAILUA-KONA — Authorities are seeking the public’s help in finding two women wanted for questioning in connection with an officer-involved shooting in Puna Wednesday night.
The incident occurred about 10 p.m. when a Hawaii Police Department officer responded to a request for assistance at a convenience store parking lot in Kurtistown. Upon arrival, the officer saw a vehicle strike a man, said Maj. Sam Thomas.
The victim dropped from view of the officer and the motorist started to flee the scene. As the officer still could not see the victim and believed his life was in danger, Thomas said, the officer fired two shots at the car.
Assistant Chief Henry Tavares said the officer thought the man might have been stuck under the car.
Tavares said it was not clear if the shots hit the vehicle. There was no evidence the women were shot.
The vehicle continued south on Highway 11 toward Volcano. It was later found abandoned in the Glenwood area.
The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center. He was treated and later released.
Thomas said the officer who fired his weapon has just less than two years of law enforcement experience. He has been placed on paid administrative leave while the police department’s Area I Criminal Investigations Section conducts a criminal investigation into the shooting.
The Office of Professional Standards will conduct an administrative investigation.
Police are now trying to locate Jerrilyn Ann Rego and Larissa Naleikailima Padamada, both 26, of Ka’u, for questioning in connection to the hit-and-run and officer-involved shooting.
Rego is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, 120 pounds, with a slim build, black hair, brown eyes and lightly tanned complexion.
Rego has several tattoos, including a tribal tattoo on her upper right arm. The name “Chelbie” is tattooed on her outer right forearm and “Rego” on the right side of her neck.
Padamada is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and 200 pounds. She has a heavier build with brown hair, brown eyes and a tanned complexion.
Anyone with information about the incident or whereabouts of the women is asked to call Hawaii Police Department at 935-3311 or call Det. Dean Uyetake at 961-2379 or email at dean.uyetake@hawaiicounty.gov.
Hawaii Tribune-Herald staff writer Tom Callis contributed to this report.