Suspect at Large in Puna Officer-Involved Shooting

A Friday afternoon officer-related non-fatal shooting incident is being investigated by the Hawai’i Police Department.

According to HPD, just before 1 p.m., a Puna patrol officer witnessed a suspicious Honda blue or teal four-door sedan with black or gray side panels at the end of Mokuna Street in the Royal Hawaiian Estates subdivision. The Honda drove directly toward the officer’s vehicle and swerved at the last minute as it continued to flee.

The same vehicle just a few minutes later was observed in the Mountain View area, traveling in a north direction and through traffic on the southbound lane of Highway 11.

Police say that the Honda drove through active road construction and directly toward an officer who was directing traffic. That officer fired three shots toward the driver in response. The Honda was struck, but continued to drive towards Hilo.

An extensive search for the Honda is being conducted.

The Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section will conduct a criminal investigation into the shooting, which is standard practice in any police-involved shooting. In addition, the Office of Professional Standards will conduct an administrative investigation.

Anyone who has information about the location of the Honda or the identity of the driver is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.