Hilo man shot, killed in Sunday shootout with police

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A Hilo man was killed in a shootout with Hawaii police officers at a Hilo residence Sunday evening.

According to a Hawaii Police Department news release, South Hilo patrol officers responded at 7:10 p.m. to a domestic abuse report at a residence on Mokuhonua Lane.

After officers attempted to contact the occupants of the residence, one man, subsequently identified as 34-year-old Ryan Y. Santos, emerged from the rear of the residence and opened fire on the officers with a semi-automatic rifle.

One officer returned fire and struck Santos several times. Santos was killed at the scene.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation into the incident.

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave as is standard practice in such cases, and a separate internal investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Office of Professional standards.

Anyone with information about the case is requested to contact detective John Balberde at (808) 961-2386 or at john.balberde@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted to the Crime Stoppers line at (808) 961-8300.