Woman charged for reportedly shooting man after he thought his dog might have been shot

A 49-year-old Big Island woman was arrested Monday (Feb. 9) for reportedly shooting a man in the abdomen during an encounter at an Ocean View residence following hearing gunshots and worrying his dog — which ran away and is still missing — might have been shot.

The 63-year-old man was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was treated for serious and substantial bodily injury.

Chante Livingston of Ocean View was arrested in connection with the shooting at a residence in the 92-9000 block of Tiki Lane in Ocean View.

Livingston is charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault in connection with the incident. Her bail was set at $15,000.

She is scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Wednesday (Feb. 11) in Kona District Court.

Police received a report at 7:23 a.m. Monday that a 63-year-old man was walking past the Tiki Lane residence when he heard what sounded like multiple gunshots and thought one or more might have struck his dog.

He then reportedly approached the residence and encountered Livingston, who had what appeared to be a rifle. Livingston allegedly discharged the weapon in the man’s direction, striking him in the abdomen.

Kaʻū patrol officers responded and located Livingston at the residence, where she was taken into custody without incident.

Detectives from Hawaiʻi Police Department Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation and executed a search warrant at the residence, during which they recovered two pellet guns.

The victim’s dog reportedly fled the area and has not been located. It is described as a blond German Shepherd-type “poi” dog, weighing about 35 pounds.

Anyone who might have witnessed the incident or has additional information is asked to contact Detective Cacique Melendez with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at 808-209-6896 or via email at cacique.melendez@hawaiipolice.gov.