Teen pedestrian struck by police officer dies

The 16-year-old pedestrian struck by an officer operating a police vehicle late Jan. 5 has died.

The pedestrian has been identified as Samuel Mwarey, of Hilo. He was pronounced deceased on Jan. 8 at 12:16 a.m. at the Hilo Medical Center. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

An 18-year veteran of the Hawai‘i Police Department was on duty operating a marked Hawai‘i Police Department 2008 Ford four-door sedan, when it struck the minor who was wearing dark clothing and who was walking in the middle of the roadway and not in a marked crosswalk.

The vehicle was not operating in an emergency response mode and did have the blue pilot light illuminated. At the time of the collision there was minimal lighting in the area and it was raining.   
 
The minor was transported to Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment of head injuries, and remained in critical condition until his passing.
 
Due to the teen’s death, this investigation has been changed to a negligent homicide investigation and will continue to be investigated by the East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit.
 
The officer, who was not injured, remains on administrative leave pending investigation, which is standard procedure. The Office of Professional Standards is continuing its internal inquiry as a result of the collision. 
 
If anyone has information regarding this collision they may contact Officer Laurence Davis at 808-961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
 
This the second traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island in 2024 compared to one this time last year.