Officer charged with domestic abuse

Police have charged a 28-year-old North Kohala patrol officer with domestic abuse following a dispute at an Ainaloa residence on Saturday.

John Chiquita IV of Hilo has 16 months of service with the Hawaii Police Department, according to a written police statement.

Chiquita was charged Wednesday with a single-count of petty-misdemeanor abuse of a family or household member.

He is free on $1,000 bail.

According to police, the victim, a 28-year-0ld woman, reported on Tuesday that she and Chiquita were involved in a verbal argument Saturday afternoon, which then turned physical.

The victim was not injured during the altercation; however, she reported feeling pain. She did not require medical attention.

Chiquita and the victim were previously involved in a long-term relationship, and have several children in common.

Chiquita was arrested at a Puna residence Wednesday afternoon.

Chiquita is currently within the standard 18-month new-hire probationary period. He has been placed on leave without pay pending completion of an investigation by the department’s Office of Professional Standards.