Shot Fired, Woman Arrested in HPD Pursuit

A non-fatal officer-involved shooting took place late Saturday afternoon in Hilo.

The Hawai’i Police Department is investigating the incident, which began shortly before 4 p.m. According to police, a South Hilo patrol officer observed a black Honda Civic traveling down Lanikaula Street, at which time the officer initiated a traffic stop for a violation at the intersection of Lanikaula Street and Nowelo Street. The suspect refused to stop and instead fled from the officer.

In fleeing from the officer, the Honda ran into a vehicle at the Komohana Street and Ainaola Drive intersection. The Honda also collided with a police officer’s vehicle and proceeded down Haihai Street.

Upon arriving at the intersection of Haihai Street and Kilauea Avenue, the Honda advanced towards an officer who was on foot. In response to the threatening advancement, the officer fired one shot toward the vehicle. After the shot was fired, the Honda struck a police vehicle in pursuit. Both vehicles then ended up in a gulch.

HPD has identified the suspect as 25-year-old Cherish Torres of Hilo. She was arrested for eight traffic offenses, two counts of first-degree criminal property damage, second-degree theft, and first-degree terroristic threatening.

Police say the Honda being driven in the incident was stolen from Hilo on Monday, April 6. The vehicle had licenses plates belonging to a vehicle that was stolen from Hawaiian Paradise Park on Friday, April 10.

Minor injuries were sustained by Torres in the crash. Police say no additional injuries were reported.

Torres is being held at the Hilo police cellblock while Area I Criminal Investigations Section detectives continue to look into the incident.

The police department’s Area I Criminal Investigations Section will conduct a criminal investigation into the shooting, which is standard practice for all police involved shootings. In addition, the Office of Professional Standards will conduct an administrative investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Grant Todd at 961-2385 or by e-mail at gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us.

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

This is the second non-fatal officer-related shooting in two days. On Friday, an officer fired three shots at a vehicle who also drove towards an officer on foot in a threatening manner.