Hawaii Island police have identified the man shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting Saturday in Papaaloa. He is identified as 59-year-old Gene Bernhardt of Papaaloa, the police department said Monday.
At about 3:35 p.m., police were investigating a disturbance at a residence when they encountered a man wielding a loaded crossbow. One officer fired several shots, resulting in the death of the man. The officer is a 24-year veteran with the department.
As is standard practice in any officer-involved shooting, the Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigations Section will conduct a criminal investigation into the shooting, and the Office of Professional Standards will conduct an administrative investigation. An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death has been scheduled for Wednesday.
Police ask anyone with any information about this incident to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Lieutenant Miles Chong at 961-2252 or via email at miles.chong@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.