Hawaii Island police detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred shortly after 4 p.m. in downtown Hilo.
The shooting happened after South Hilo Patrol officers were sent to a report of a man on Keawe Street cutting himself with a knife. Responding officers observed the man with a knife, and gave loud verbal commands for him to put the knife down. The suspect immediately began rapidly approaching an officer. The officer drew his weapon and continued giving clear commands to the suspect. The suspect ignored the officer’s commands, and the officer subsequently discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect in the lower extremities.
Police and responding paramedics immediately performed CPR on the suspect prior to him being transported via ambulance to the hospital. He remains hospitalized; however, is expected to make a full recovery.
No other injuries were reported.
Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing this investigation.
The Office of Professional Standards has initiated a standard internal administrative investigation. The involved officer is a 14-year veteran of the department, and will be placed on administrative leave pending an internal review of this incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident should call the department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2386 or John.Balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.