Autopsy Report Released on Hilo Man Shot During Officer-Involved Shooting

Authorities released autopsy results on a man killed during an officer-involved shooting in Hilo Sunday evening, June 13.

According to a Hawai‘i Police Department press release, 34-year-old Ryan Yukiharu Santos died from a single gunshot wound to the left shoulder area. The final autopsy report is pending toxicology results. An autopsy was also performed on Santos’ 91-year-old grandfather who died Sunday following the incident.

According to the autopsy report, the kupuna died from an acute heart attack, which he suffered during the course of Santos’ confrontation with police.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing this attempted first-degree murder investigation.

Santos was killed after he opened fire on four South Hilo Patrol officers responding to a report of physical abuse at a home on Mokuhonua Lane just after 7 p.m. Sunday, June 13.

Hawai‘i County Police Chief Paul Ferreira said in a press conference Monday that Santos’ younger brother contacted authorities after observing the suspect attacking their mother.

Police made contact with Santos at a doorway between the residence and its garage, where the suspect claimed everything was fine and closed the door. Officers indicated their obligation to check on the welfare of all others inside the house, which included Santos’ aunt and grandfather, along with his mother and younger brother.

Ferreira said that as officers made their way to the front door to make contact with Santos’ aunt, who was visible through a living room window, the suspect emerged from the kitchen area with a rifle that he aimed at officers.

Body camera footage released by HPD showed an officer on the balcony then running away. Shots could clearly be heard from the residence as well as from the officer.

According to police, Santos continued to fire at officers from the balcony of the home, unleashing 30 rounds of ammunition from two illegally-obtained rifles, several of which struck four separate police vehicles. Four stray bullets from Santos’ guns entered a neighboring residence down the street, which Ferreira said was unoccupied at the time.

Santos was ultimately struck by one of the officers in the shoulder.

Police ask anyone who may have information about this incident to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2386 or send an email to [email protected].

Hawai’i Island Police detectives are continuing the investigation into an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on Sunday evening, June 13, shortly after 7:00 p.m., that left the suspect, dead.