An on-duty Hawai‘i Island police officer was seriously injured yesterday morning near the intersection of Kekuanaoa Street and Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo after being struck by a vehicle while assisting a stranded motorist.

The 27-year-old officer, a four-year department veteran, sustained head injuries and rib fractures and is in guarded condition at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.

The driver, 52-year-old Keola Mahi of Hilo, was arrested for first-degree negligent injury but later released pending investigation.

 Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors.

Due to the serious nature of the officer’s injuries, the Hawai‘i County Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards is conducting an administrative investigation. The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent injury investigation