UPDATE: Alleged Shooter Charged With Nine Offenses
The alleged shooter of two Big Island police officers was charged this afternoon with two counts of attempted murder and seven other offenses.
Keaka Daniel Martin remained in critical condition today in Hilo Medical Center where he is being treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He is being held without bail under police guard.
Charges filed against Martin at 4:15 p.m. today included two counts of first-degree attempted murder and second-degree reckless endangering.
Police said Martin was also charged with possessing a loaded firearm on a highway, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, prohibited ownership or possession of a firearm and altering the identification markings on a firearm.
Martin was apprehended by a team of 20 law enforcement officers at a Hilo home Thursday afternoon.
Police said officers arriving at the home on East Palai Street heard a single gunshot from within the residence. Officers found him inside with a gunshot wound to his chest.
Under Hawaii law, Martin faces life in prison without parole if convicted of a charge of first-degree attempted murder.
Martin’s location was found through a tip provided by his relatives, police said Thursday evening.
Police today said the two officers Martin allegedly shot Wednesday night remain at the hospital in stable condition following surgery for their injuries.
They were identified Thursday by Mayor Billy Kenoi as Garrett Hatada, 40, and Joshua Gouveia, 31. However, police Maj. Sam Thomas today would not confirm their identities, saying that the two had requested confidentiality.