Updated at 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2001

Maui policeman shot but saved by vest

By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor

LAHAINA, Maui — A Maui police officer was shot during a traffic stop this afternoon on Honoapi'ilani Highway, but a Kevlar vest saved him from serious injury.

Police identified the officer as 31-year-old Donald B. Nakooka. The shooting occurred at 1:55 p.m. on the highway about a half-mile south of Office Road after Nakooka pulled over a car that had no license plates, said acting Lt. Jamie Becraft. The lone occupant of the car, described as a gray four-door sedan, fired while sitting inside the vehicle, hitting the officer in the abdomen.

The car took off toward Lahaina and police were still searching for the shooter.

Nakooka has been with the Maui Police Department for 10 years. He was reported in stable condition at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Becraft said the officer was wearing a department-issued protective vest that saved him from serious injury.