Man charged following officer-involved shooting in Hilo

Hawaii Island police have charged a 32-year-old Hilo man with an array of offenses following an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred Friday morning in Hilo.

Aina Kealoha Bill Cachero, of Hilo, was charged Saturday with second-degree robbery, first-degree theft, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, habitual property crime and two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening. Bail was set at $90,000.

The charges against Cachero stem from an incident reported at approximately 11:35 a.m. Friday, when South Hilo Patrol officers responded to the 500 block of Kukuau Street in Hilo, for a report of an active vehicle theft from a residence.

It was reported the suspect had entered the victim’s truck and began driving away, before being physically stopped and removed by the vehicle owner. Responding officers were provided a description of the suspect, later identified as Cachero, and informed that he had just left the area on foot.

At 11:56 a.m., officers located a man matching the suspect’s description walking on Kumukoa Street. As officers attempted to contact and positively identify him, he immediately began to run away, at which point he was observed reaching into his waistband area, pulling out a dark-colored pistol, and turning his body toward the officers. One of the officers drew his weapon, and verbal commands were given. The suspect ignored the officers’ commands, and one officer discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect in the upper shoulder area.

Officers on scene immediately provided first aid on the suspect until medics arrived. Cachero was arrested and transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated, and released later that afternoon to police custody.

There were no reported injuries to bystanders or officers.

Cachero was not charged with any firearms-related crimes. The weapon he pulled from his waistband was later examined. While its appearance, size, and weight were consistent with a semi-automatic handgun, the weapon Cachero used in this case was found to not be a functioning firearm.

An internal administrative investigation is underway. The involved officer is a five-year veteran of the department, and has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review of this incident.

In addition to the charges against Cachero stemming from the incident Friday morning, he was also charged with a host of theft and other offenses stemming from an earlier unrelated incident reported in late January.

Cachero remains in police custody pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court.