Police are looking for two women wanted in questioning following an officer-involved shooting Wednesday evening in Kurtistown.
Police are looking for two women wanted in questioning following an officer-involved shooting Wednesday evening in Kurtistown.
According to police, the officer fired two shots at a sedan that was fleeing after it struck a man and the officer’s patrol car at a convenience store parking lot. The incident occurred at 10 p.m.
The 54-year-old Keaau man who was hit by the vehicle was treated and released from Hilo Medical Center.
The women who police are seeking in connection with the shooting are Jerrilyn Ann Rego and Larissa Naleikailima Padamada, both 26 and with last known addresses in Ka‘u.
Police say the officer responded to a request for assistance at the store and observed a man and woman involved in a struggle near a vehicle. The car then struck the man who disappeared from view.
Police say the officer fired shots in response to imminent danger.
Assistant Chief Henry Tavares said the officer thought the man might have been under the car. He said there appeared no intent to harm the officer.
Tavares said it was not clear if the shots hit the vehicle.
“It’s an older car,” he said. “There are other things that may resemble bullet holes.”
The officer had less than two years of law enforcement experience.
The vehicle was located abandoned in Glenwood.
The Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigations Section is investigating use of the firearm, which is standard practice.
Police are investigating the car-ramming incident as second-degree vehicle assault along with traffic related infractions.
Rego is described as 5-foot-2, 120 pounds, with a slim build, black hair, brown eyes with a lightly tanned complexion. She has numerous tattoos including a “tribal” tattoo on her upper right arm, “Chelbie” on her outer right forearm, and “Rego” on the right side of her neck.
Padamada is described as 5-foot-6, 200 pounds, with a heavy build, brown hair and brown eyes and having a tanned complexion.
Those who witnessed the shooting or know the women’s whereabouts can contact police at 935-3311. Det. Dean Uyetake can be reached directly at 961-2379 or dean.uyetake@hawaiicounty.gov.
Anonymous tips can be provided to 961-8300.