The Hawaii Island Safety and Security Professionals Association recently honored Officer Severo Ines as Kohala Officer of the Quarter.
The Hawaii Island Safety and Security Professionals Association recently honored Officer Severo Ines as Kohala Officer of the Quarter.
On May 24, Ines was off duty in his personal vehicle when he observed a vehicle illegally passing his vehicle and four others in a no-passing zone, nearly causing a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer. Ines located the driver a short time later at a gas station in Honokaa, threatening another man and punching the window of another vehicle, frightening the driver away from the scene.
When the man began to threaten his initial target, Ines identified himself as a police officer and ordered him to stop. The aggressor then charged at Ines, but the officer was able to subdue and detain him until an on-duty officer arrived.
Police learned that the man had stolen the vehicle he was driving from the South Kohala District. He was arrested and charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, reckless driving, theft and resisting arrest.
Sgt. Edwin Buyten said in nomination papers that Ines’ peers recommended him for the award because of his “courageous bravery” and exceptional police work. Buyten said the officer’s “selfless act stopped the aggressor from assaulting another citizen” and was “in keeping with the highest traditions of public service.”