Teen pedestrian hit by police vehicle Friday night dies
UPDATE: Police said today the 16-year-old boy critically injured when struck by a police blue-and-white sedan Friday night has died.
The teen, a pedestrian, has been identified as Samuel Mwarey, of Hilo.
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He was pronounced dead at 12:16 a.m. today at Hilo Medical Center.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, police said.
His death is the second traffic fatality of the year, police said.
PREVIOUSLY:
At last report, a 16-year-old boy remained in critical condition after he was struck by a police blue-and-white vehicle at 10:24 p.m. Friday evening on Kapiolani Street, between Mohouli and West Lanikaula streets in Hilo.
According to police, an 18-year veteran was on duty, at the wheel of the Hawaii Police Department’s 2008 Ford 4-door sedan, when it struck the teen. According to police, the boy was wearing dark clothing and was walking in the middle of the roadway, not in a marked crosswalk.
The vehicle was not operating in an emergency response mode and did have the blue pilot light illuminated. At the time of the collision there was minimal lighting in the area and it was raining.
The teen was transported to Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment of head injuries, and remained in critical condition.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe that speed was not a factor in the crash.
A negligent injury investigation has been initiated and the officer, who wasn’t injured, has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation, as is standard procedure. In addition, the Office of Professional Standards, the department’s Internal Affairs unit, has also initiated an internal inquiry as a result of the collision.
Police didn’t identify either the victim or the officer.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339 or Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
