Police report that two officers were shot and injured Wednesday night near Pono Place, formerly the old Green Onion bar and restaurant in Hilo.
Police report that two officers were shot and injured Wednesday night near Pono Place, formerly the old Green Onion bar and restaurant in Hilo.
Officers responded to a report of several gunshots heard on Kilauea Avenue near the Wailoa River at about 7:44 p.m.
At approximately 8:52 p.m., officers checking parked vehicles on the 800 block of Kilauea spotted a man hiding under a parked vehicle. Upon approaching him, both officers were fired upon and sustained gunshot injuries. One of the officers returned fire. Police say the suspect fled the area on foot and it’s unknown whether he sustained any injury as a result of the shooting.
An extensive manhunt is underway for the suspect, described as a local male approximately 30-40 years old, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8, 160 pounds with short dark hair, a light beard and numerous tattoos. The suspect was last seen wearing dark pants, dark shoes and no shirt.
Police say the officers are a 40-year old 14-year veteran and a 31-year-old four-year veteran of the Hawaii Police Department. Both officers were shot in their lower extremities. They were taken to Hilo Medical Center, where they underwent surgery. Both are in stable condition.
Two cases of attempted first-degree murder have been opened and detectives are investigating. The makai lane south of Aupuni Street was closed most of the night but has been reopened.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.