HPD investigating officer-involved shooting of dog
The Hawaii Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting Saturday in Pahala.
Shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, two officers went to a residence on the 92-1100 block of Kaumahana St. in Pahala to serve a restraining order on a 52-year-old man. As officers knocked on the door and announced their presence, several dogs could be heard barking from within the residence, however, there was no response from anyone within the home and the officers began to leave the premises.
As the officers were walking back toward their vehicles, an individual within the home opened the door and four to five large dogs exited the residence and immediately ran toward one of the officers, police said. Within seconds, the pack of dogs began jumping up on him and clawing at his legs.
As one of the dogs jumped up toward the officer’s upper torso, it snapped its jaw closed as if it was attempting to bite the officer. The officer, in fear for his life, drew his service weapon and discharged it at the canine. The canine retreated to the carport area and died.
The residents were able to escort the remaining dogs back into the house where they were secured without further incident.
The officer did not suffer any injuries and a dangerous dog investigation related to this incident has been initiated.
Additionally, detectives from the department’s Office of Professional Standards responded and have opened a standard internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should call the department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Area II Criminal Investigation Section Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646, ext. 267, or via email Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.
