The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii recognized South Hilo Patrol Officer Murray Toledo on Jan. 25 as the East Hawaii Officer of the Month for December 2017.
Toledo, a 12-year veteran with the Hawaii Police Department, was honored for his “outstanding application of his investigative and interrogation skills” while investigating a theft case that occurred on the Big Island but stemming from a burglary that took place on Maui.
In October, Toledo was assigned to a theft case that occurred at a hotel on Banyan Drive in Hilo. It was reported that the suspect, after a stay at the hotel, attempted to use a stolen check to use as payment for his hotel stay. Toledo was able to confirm the suspect was a former employee of the business from where the check was stolen.
Toledo also contacted Maui police and learned the stolen check was taken during a burglary that occurred on Maui and they also were investigating the series of stolen checks in their jurisdiction.
Toledo arrested the suspect and obtained a confession, and he was subsequently charged with theft, forgery and unauthorized possession of personal/confidential information. In addition, the suspect also confessed to being responsible for the burglary that occurred on Maui.
“Toledo’s work ethic and exemplary application of his investigative skills are to be applauded,” wrote Lt. William Derr, who nominated Toledo for the award. Derr added, “He is a prime example of how we hope all our police officers will conduct their investigations.”
The East Hawaii Officer of the Month award is a project of the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii.