The Hawai’i County Police Department is investigating a shooting involving a police officer and canine that occurred in Pāhala over the weekend. On Saturday, January 28, two officers attempted to serve a restraining order on a 52 year-old male at a Pāhala residence. As officers announced their presence, they heard barking from within the residence however, there was no response from anyone within the home.
As the officers began walking away from the residence, an individual within the home opened the door and let four to five large dogs out. The dogs ran towards one of the officers and began jumping on him and clawing at his legs. As one of the dogs jumped up towards the officer’s upper torso, it snapped its jaw closed as if it was attempting to bite him. The officer then drew his service weapon and discharged it at the canine. In an attempt to create distance between himself and the dogs, the officer took several steps backwards.
The canine retreated to the carport area and succumbed to its injury. The remaining dogs were escorted back into the house where they were secured without further incident. The officer did not suffer any injuries.
A dangerous dog investigation has been initiated. In addition, detectives from the department’s Office of Professional Standards have opened a standard internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge. In a press release Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz said, “Incidents in law enforcement can go from 0 to 10 in a matter of seconds. In this case, the officer was charged by several large aggressive animals and had less than three seconds to react and make a decision on how best to preserve his own life. That being said, any loss of life is tragic. We mourn the loss of the dog in this case, who ultimately, was a beloved family member.”
Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Area II Criminal Investigation Section Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646, ext. 267, or via email Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.