Yesterday, while executing a search warrant on a Kea’au residence in relation to an ongoing missing person investigation, members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division heard a loud sound resembling a gunshot.

Police then set up a secure perimeter, and began checking on nearby residences to insure their safety.

The department’s Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were activated as the residence may have contained an armed barricaded subject. Upon entry they located the body of a deceased male with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was also located.

An autopsy will be performed early next week to determine the exact cause of death.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel are continuing this investigation and ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2381, or via email at amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov