A 31-year-old man was fatally shot Friday by Hawaii Police Department officers in the second police-involved shooting in less than a week in East Hawaii.
Around 11:20 a.m. Friday, patrol officers in Hilo responded to a residential break-in on the 1800 block of Kilauea Avenue, according to police. Upon arrival, the officers determined the home had been forcibly entered.
“Officers entered the vacant home and began to clear the home room by room, calling out that they were the police and making their presence known,” a press release issued shortly before 8 p.m. read.
During the check, police said the officers found one of the bedroom doors was locked. After conducting additional checks outside the home, the officers breached the door.
“… One officer was immediately attacked by a male suspect with a large knife,” the release reads.
The officer, who has been with the department for 12 years, was struck in the arm with the knife. He and another officer, who’s been with the department just over a year, fired their duty weapons, killing the man, who has no permanent address, according to police. A third officer on the scene did not discharge his weapon.
“The suspect was in possession of two knives when he attacked the officer,” the release reads.
The officer who was struck with the knife was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and released. The two other officers were uninjured.
Police said all three officers were wearing body cameras at the time of the shooting. Police had recovered footage from two of the three officers present as of Friday evening. Apparently, video footage was not recovered from the injured officer’s camera.
“Police are investigating the reason this camera did not capture any footage of the incident,” the release reads. The body worn camera video footage that was recovered was being reviewed Friday evening and will be released thereafter.
The suspect’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Police Chief Paul Ferreira didn’t return a phone call in time for this story.
Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth released his own statement late Friday afternoon.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to our men and women in blue who risk their lives daily for the health and safety of our community here on Hawaii Island,” Roth said. “The events that took place this week are extremely rare and stark reminders of the threats that each officer faces when they step out their door and away from their families every day.
“On both occasions, officers were attacked and their lives threatened. On both occasions, officers secured the scene and did what was necessary to protect themselves and neighboring community members from harm.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, as we know no loss of life goes without grief. As we move forward from tragedy, I ask that we remember that we are all one ‘ohana and that by building stronger, healthier, and happier communities, we can hope to avoid tribulations such as these in the future.”
Anyone with information on Friday’s shooting is asked to contact Detective Jeremy Kubojiri at (808) 961-2378 or via email at Jeremy.Kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov.
Friday’s incident happened just five days after 34-year-old Ryan Y. Santos, who police say shot at officers responding Sunday evening to a domestic incident call, was shot and killed in the Wainaku area of Hilo. Santos’ 91-year-old grandfather died of a cardiac arrest suffered during the incident, an autopsy found.
Police said Santos shot in excess of 30 rounds at officers. One officer, a 13-year veteran of the department, returned fire and struck the suspect.
Anyone who may have information about Sunday’s shooting should call the department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2386 or via email at John.Balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
