Police say a fugitive has been apprehended during an incident Saturday in Mountain View that involved a Puna district patrol officer firing his weapon.
Police identified the suspect as Michael T. Soares, 30, of Hilo.
On Saturday, at approximately 7 a.m., an Ihope Road homeowner discovered a maroon 1991 Ford Explorer parked near the house with the engine running and a male passed out in the driver’s seat, according to reports.
Police and Fire Department personnel were summoned to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers noted the ignition had no key, with wires pulled out behind the steering wheel. They woke the male party and ordered him to turn off the vehicle and step outside. According to police, he refused and instead floored the gas pedal and slammed into the garage of the residence. The suspect then shifted into reverse and backed up the driveway at a high rate of speed and headed directly toward an ambulance, two firemen and the resident who were standing near the top of the driveway.
Police say that one of the two officers on scene fired one round through the windshield of the suspect’s vehicle as it was reversing, causing the driver to duck down behind the dash, and the SUV became lodged between the ambulance, the side of the house and some brush. The suspect subsequently surrendered and was arrested.
According to reports, the suspect was arrested for the offense of reckless endangering, criminal property damage, criminal trespassing and a “No Bail” probation revocation warrant. He is currently being held at the Hilo Police Department Detention Center pending further investigation. There were no injuries in the incident.
The officer who fired his weapon has 13 years of service with the Hawaii Police Department.
As is standard practice in any police-involved shooting, the Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section is conducting a criminal investigation and the Office of Professional Standards is conducting an administrative investigation.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Detective Bobbie-Jo Sagon at 961-2375. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
