Officer Chaves Named Officer of the Month

Officer Dustin Chaves has been recognized as “Officer of the Month” for January by the Kona Crime and Prevention Committee. The honor was celebrated at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

The nomination and honor came following Chaves’ efforts in July and August to combat a seven-day crime spike in Kailua-Kona, which included the break-in of a pickup truck and the removal of a wallet and other items. Following the items being stolen, the victim’s credit card was used three times at a Kailua-Kona establishment.

Officer Chaves investigated the incident, which led to the identity of a suspect as well as the determination that the suspect was driving a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was found later in bushes on a vacant lot in the Kona View Estates subdivision.

Once he executed a search warrant on the car, Chaves was able to recover evidence that linked to the suspect. At that point, the suspect was located, arrested, and charged with numerous offenses, including burglary, criminal property damage, two counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, five counts of theft, and three counts of fraudulent use of credit cards.

Chaves was nominated for the award by acting Sergeant Jeremy Lewis, who noted that the officer began working in Kona Patrol in July 2013. “He has proven to be an asset to the Hawai’i Police Department and the community that he serves,” Lewis wrote in nomination papers.

As “Officer of the Month,” Chaves has become eligible for the honor of “Officer of the Year.”

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawai’i.