The Kona Crime Prevention Committee honored Officer Bradden Kimura as Officer of the Month for December.
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee honored Officer Bradden Kimura as Officer of the Month for December.
Kimura was saluted for his efforts that led to the recovery of a stolen handgun possibly used in the commission of multiple crimes in Kona.
At 5:20 a.m. on Aug. 21, Kona Patrol officers responded to a report of vehicle break-ins at a condominium complex in Kailua-Kona. One of the victims said one of the four suspects had threatened her with a handgun.
After obtaining descriptions of the suspects and the stolen vehicle they were using, police located them several hours later at another condominium complex in Kailua-Kona. The man suspected of brandishing the firearm earlier attempted to flee carrying a backpack. During a short foot chase, Kimura observed him abandoning the backpack. The backpack later was found to contain the gunman’s identification and a loaded .45-caliber handgun, which had been stolen during a burglary.
Sgt. Mekia Rose said the investigation was part of a team effort but added that Kimura was chosen for the award because a stolen weapon in the possession of a known criminal has been taken off the streets because of his observations and actions.