HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
INVESTIGATIVE OPERATIONS BUREAU
CAPTAIN JAMES DAY
PHONE: 961-2251
SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
MEDIA RELEASE
Detectives assigned to the East Hawaii Criminal Investigation Division are investigating a shooting incident that occurred about 10:50 p.m. in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision of Puna.
Responding to a call about an individual with a behavior disorder, Puna patrol officers arriving at 23rd Avenue off Makuu Drive were confronted by a Caucasian male who had already seriously injured himself with a pair of scissors. The man disregarded officers’ attempts to persuade him to give up the scissors and let Fire Department rescue personnel treat him for his injuries.
The man threatened one of the police officers with the scissors and was subsequently shot in the chest. After he was shot, the male suspect fell onto the officer, who was not injured. The suspect was transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and admitted for psychiatric evaluation.
Police have not yet positively identified the suspect, whom they arrested for one count of terroristic threatening and released pending further investigation.
As required by department procedures, detectives assigned to the Internal Affairs Section are conducting an administrative investigation into the shooting.
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