Kaʻū officer honored after apprehending wanted man following foot pursuit
Officer Joshua Flores of Hawaiʻi County has been celebrated for his decisive actions leading to the arrest of a wanted fugitive.
8 hours ago
A Hawaiʻi County police officer was recognized this week for his quick thinking and tactical planning after he helped apprehend a wanted man who ran from officers.
Officer Joshua Flores was named the Kaʻū Officer of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2026 during a ceremony Wednesday in Nāʻālehu.
Flores, a 19-year law enforcement veteran, has served in the Kaʻū district since 2020.
He is the district’s only community policing officer and also serves on the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Special Response Team.
The incident that led to the recognition occurred on May 29, when Flores reported to work early to help cover a short-staffed shift.
Several hours into his shift, Flores and other officers received information about the whereabouts of a man wanted on multiple outstanding warrants. The man had also been featured in a May episode of Nā Leo TV’s “Hawaiʻi’s Most Wanted” segment of the Safe Hawaiʻi show.
According to police, the man was known to have previously possessed a hunting rifle and had a history of fleeing from officers on foot.
Based on the information available, Flores quickly developed a tactical plan and, accompanied by two other officers, responded to the area where the wanted man was believed to be.
When officers arrived, the man spotted them and immediately ran.
Flores got out of his vehicle and ran after the man, eventually apprehending him after a brief chase. He was safely taken into custody on two outstanding warrants.
Kaʻū Capt. Pernell Hanoa praised Flores for his work both during the incident and in his broader role serving the district.
“Officer Flores is a tremendous asset to the district,” Hanoa said. “Not only does his tactical knowledge assist our officers in preparing for high-risk situations, but his personable demeanor and nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience have provided him with the skills to be an effective communicator, problem solver, and an overall positive role model.”
Hanoa also highlighted Flores’ work as Kaʻū’s community policing officer, saying he remains focused on engaging with residents and learning from and serving the community.
