Last Friday, Puna patrol officers responded to a report of a domestic argument between two brothers, one of whom was armed, at an Orchidland Estates residence when the 30-year old armed male fled the scene on foot. Because officers were unable to locate him, they broadcast an All-Points Bulletin.

With further investigation, officers identified the suspect, who had an active confirmed bench warrant out for his arrest, and classified the incident as a first-degree terroristic threatening case.
 
Overnight, officers in the Puna district continued searching for the suspect but were unable to locate him. 
 
On September 23, officers received information on the suspect’s whereabouts and responded to an address in Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision. When they arrived, officers heard noises from inside the house and announced their presence, ordering the male to exit and surrender. However, the suspect fled from the back of the house and ran into a nearby vacant property.
 
As the suspect ran, officers called out for him to “stop.” The suspect ignored officers’ commands and continued running through the woods. While the four officers chased after him, the suspect turned and fired a handgun at the officers.  The officers took cover in the brush and shouted commands for the suspect to surrender. The suspect suddenly emerged and began firing at the officers again. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.
 
The officers then attempted to perform first-aid on the suspect however, he succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene. Neither the officers nor any bystanders were injured.
 
Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section are continuing to investigate this incident as Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section were involved.
 
The Office of Professional Standards has initiated a critical incident review. The department personnel involved include a Detective with 17 years of service, a second Detective with 11 years of service, and two Officers with five years and one year of service. The have each been placed on administrative leave to ensure they are mentally, emotionally, and physically able to return to work. 
 
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Donovan Kohara of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 326-4646, ext. 238 or Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.