The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii honored South Hilo Patrol Officer Andrew Springer on Feb. 28 as Officer of the Month for January.
Springer, who has four years of service with the Hawaii Police Department, was nominated by Lt. Robert Almeida for his diligence in locating a stolen vehicle while he was off duty.
On Jan. 14, Springer was off duty but still in uniform after completing a special duty assignment in Hawaiian Beaches. As he was heading home on Highway 130 near Pahoa he observed a black 2012 Toyota 4-Runner traveling in the opposite direction.
He recognized the 4-Runner as a reported stolen vehicle from an investigation he initiated Jan. 11 in Hilo.
Springer turned around and observed the vehicle turn into a Pahoa shopping center complex, locating the vehicle parked unattended in a stall. He conducted surveillance and then observed a female party exit a grocery store and return to the vehicle unlocking the driver’s door with a key.
Springer made contact with the female suspect, and upon identifying her learned she had an outstanding warrant.
While in contact with the suspect, employees from the grocery store came out and informed Springer that the female was observed on video surveillance removing items from the store without paying.
She was subsequently arrested for shoplifting.
Puna patrol officers responded to assist. After getting consent from the vehicle’s owner, a search of the 4-Runner was conducted, during which officers discovered a handgun in the center console. A check of the serial number on the handgun by the police department firearms section revealed the gun was registered to the Hawaii Police Department and subsequently discovered to have been stolen.
The 26-year-old suspect was later charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, first-degree theft for the firearm, fourth-degree theft in connection with the shoplifting incident and other firearm and drug charges. Her bail was set at $16,500.
As Officer of the Month, Springer is eligible for Officer of the Year. He was previously recognized as the club’s May 2018 Officer of the Month.
