A Hilo man is facing charges after his vehicle reportedly struck a reserve officer directing traffic in a construction zone.
A Hilo man is facing charges after his vehicle reportedly struck a reserve officer directing traffic in a construction zone.
Around 3 p.m. Tuesday, the reserve police officer was directing traffic at the Kalanianaole and Silva streets intersection in the Keaukaha area of Hilo, according to the Hawaii Police Department. While he was on the right shoulder of Silva Street with his hands extended in an attempt to stop a Mazda sedan that was reportedly driving recklessly, the Mazda failed to stop and struck his left leg.
The Mazda then fled the area, according to police.
On Wednesday, police arrested 44-year-old Robert Bungula of Hilo, according to police. He was charged with failure to render aid and failure to obey a police officer, a misdemeanor. His bail was set at $1,500.
The officer was treated for a minor injury at Hilo Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery, according to police.
Police remind the public to exercise extreme caution when traveling through construction zones and be mindful of construction workers and officers in the area.