HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
CAPTAIN CHADWICK FUKUI
PHONE:961-2251
APRIL 12, 2006
REPORT NO. C06011362
MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE
Big Island police have released the identity of the male inmate who was reportedly shot by a Corrections Officer from the Hawaii Community Correctional Center, on Haili Street, in downtown Hilo.
The inmate, Thane Leialoha, 28 years old, of a Hilo address, was pronounced dead at 5:56 p.m. at the Hilo Medical Center.
At about 2:09 p.m. Hilo Police responded to the reported shooting incident involving Leialoha and the Corrections Officer, which occurred in downtown Hilo. Preliminary investigation revealed that Leialoha was being transported back to the Hawaii Community Correctional Center, and was allegedly fleeing from custody at the time of the shooting.
Leialoha was transported immediately after the shooting to the emergency room at Hilo Medical Center in critical condition.
Police are continuing their investigation into the shooting and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the escape and shooting to call Detective Richard Sherlock at 961-2379 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept strictly confidential.
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