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Puna Police Shooting Update 12-23-01

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
HILO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
ASSISTANT CHIEF WENDELL PAIVA
PHONE: 961-2346
DECEMBER 23, 2001

MEDIA RELEASE

Criminal Investigation Section detectives have initiated a homicide investigation into the shooting of a 39-year-old resident of Kupono Street in Leilani Estates subdivision, Puna, Hawaii by a police officer. The incident occurred fronting his residence on Saturday, December 22, 2001, at approximately 1:51 P.M.

The police officer is described as a 37-year-old male with three years police experience and is assigned to the Puna District station.

Criminal Investigation Section detectives have also initiated the following criminal investigations:

Burglary in the First Degree

One count Assault in the Second Degree

One count Attempted Assault in the Second Degree

One count Assault in the Third Degree

stemming from a confrontation with the 39-year old Kupono Street male and his 32-year-old female companion with members of a Leilani Estates family.

The 32-year-old female was transported to Hilo Medical Center by Fire Department Paramedics for injuries she sustained after members of the family involved forced their way into the Kupono Street residence and assaulted her. She was treated for her injuries and later released from the Hilo Medical Center.

Criminal Investigation Section and Internal Affairs detectives continue to investigate the various criminal aspects preceding the shooting incident as well as the shooting itself.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 26, 2001, to determine the exact cause of death in this case.

The identification of the 39-year-old male is pending fingerprint comparison and notification of next of kin.

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