Police officer charged following domestic dispute
Hawaii Island police have charged a 28-year-old North Kohala patrol officer with abuse following a domestic dispute at a residence in Ainaloa on Oct. 1.
John Chiquita IV was charged Wednesday evening with a single-count of petty-misdemeanor abuse of a family or household member. His bail was set at $1,000.
The charge stems from an incident that was reported on Tuesday evening. The 28-year-old victim reported to police that she and Chiquita were involved in a verbal argument on Saturday afternoon, which then turned physical. The victim was not injured during the altercation; however, she reported feeling pain. She did not require medical attention.
Chiquita and the victim were previously involved in a long-term relationship, and have several children in common.
Chiquita was hired as a police recruit on June 1, 2021, and was assigned to a solo patrol assignment in the North Kohala district on April 16. He is currently within the standard initial 18-month new hire probationary period. He has been placed on leave without pay pending an administrative investigation by the department’s Office of Professional Standards.
