No injuries were reported Monday afternoon after a stolen vehicle investigation ended with police officers shooting at a hostile suspect 13 times.
Two police officers were investigating a stolen 2002 Toyota Tacoma on Monday morning when they found the vehicle near Fern Acres. A man standing next to the vehicle was identified as 32-year-old Puna resident Joseph Paul “JP” Branco.
When the officers issued commands to Branco to take him into custody, Branco instead allegedly entered the vehicle, according to a police report. He then drove at the officers at a high rate of speed.
With no other means of escape, the two officers opened fire on the vehicle, firing 13 shots, police said. The shots struck the windshield and hood of the vehicle; the suspect was unharmed.
Branco was taken into custody without further incident. Within the vehicle, police allegedly found a 30-30 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and 47.5 grams of a substance thought to be crystal methamphetamine.
Branco is being detained as the investigation continues. Both officers were placed on administrative leave, as is protocol for any officer-involved shooting.
Anybody with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hawaii Police Department at 935-3311.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.