HPD Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting

A Thursday afternoon non-fatal officer-involved shooting is currently being investigated by the Hawai’i Police Department.

HPD reports that just before 2 p.m., Puna Patrol officers, along with State of Hawai’i Sheriffs, attempted to serve a bench warrant at a residence on Mauna Lani Tract Road in Puna. Police say a vehicle then sped towards the officers in a threatening manner.

In response to the forward-moving vehicle, a police officer fired three shots and a deputy sheriff fired two shots towards the vehicle.

The individual operating the vehicle was shot and the vehicle struck another deputy sheriff before it came to a rest after running into bushes on the property.

HPD has identified the driver as 27-year-old Jomal Ford of Mountain View. He was arrested at the scene for suspicion of attempted murder and for the warrant of arrest.

Officials say Ford was taken by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of an apparent non-life threatening gunshot would. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

The Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section will conduct a criminal investigation into the shooting, as is standard procedure with all officer-involved shootings. The Office of Professional Standards will also conduct an administrative investigation.