Police are investigating an incident that occurred in Kailua-Kona involving the discharge of a weapon by an on-duty officer that occurred shortly after 5:20 p.m. Thursday.
Kona Vice officers were conducting operations at a business establishment in the 73-5000 block of Olowalu Street when they observed several parties leaving the business with a large quantity of high-value items. The individuals appeared to be trying to quickly load the items into a vehicle and leave the area.
As officers approached the vehicle and identified themselves as police officers, the driver of the vehicle abruptly reversed in an attempt to flee. Officers ran after the vehicle, which stopped, and attempted to make contact a second time. As officers again identified themselves as police officers and attempted to remove suspects from the vehicle. an officer’s service weapon was discharged.
All occupants were removed from the vehicle and subsequently arrested for theft. They currently remain at the Kealakehe Police Station pending the completion of this investigation.
None of the officers or suspects were injured during the confrontation with the vehicle or from the weapon discharge.
The officer who discharged his weapon is 7-year veteran of the department. As is standard procedure, the officer was placed on administrative leave pending the completion of an administrative investigation by the Office of Professional Standards.
Anyone who may have seen the incident or may have any other information about this incident is asked to call Detective Sheldon Nakamoto at (808) 326-4646 ext. 228 or email Sheldon.Nakamoto@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.