A Pahoa man was charged Friday with first-degree attempted murder after allegedly shooting a police officer earlier this week.
Albert Puu, 65, faces a Class A felony charge of first-degree attempted murder and lesser charges of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, first-degree reckless endangerment, possessing a firearm without a permit or registration, possessing a prohibited pistol magazine and harassment after he allegedly shot a police officer in the leg Wednesday evening at his Hawaiian Beaches residence.
The officer, who was investigating an assault report, was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he remains in good condition.
After a standoff, members of the Hawaii Police Department’s Special Response Team located Puu in a shed behind his residence along with a firearm. Puu was apprehended and taken to the Hilo cellblock, where he is currently detained in lieu of a $515,500 bail.
The attempted murder charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison. Puu will make an initial appearance Monday in Hilo District Court.