Hilo Man Turns Semi-Auto on HPD Officers Following Domestic Dispute

An attempted murder investigation is underway following an officer-involved shooting on the Big Island Sunday night, June 13. The incident occurred in the South Hilo District.

South Hilo Patrol officers responded to a 7:10 p.m. call of a physical domestic at a residence on Mokuhonua Lane in Hilo. Upon arrival, officers attempted to contact the occupants of the residence. A male party then came out of the rear of the residence with a semi-automatic rifle and opened fire on the officers at the scene.

One officer, a 13-year veteran of the department, returned fire and struck the suspect several times. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Ryan Y. Santos of Hilo, expired at the scene.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the criminal investigation into this matter. Detectives from the Office of Professional Standards have opened a standard internal investigation into this incident.

While this investigation is in its early stages and more information will be forthcoming, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave as is standard practice in this type of incident.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigations Section at 808-961-2386 or via email at john.balberde@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.