Suspect in police officer's death released

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

The 22-year-old driver accused of killing a police officer in a hit-and-run Monday night in Windward O'ahu has been released pending further investigation.

Police arrested the Waikane man on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent homicide and failure to give information and render aid.

Before he was released Tuesday, police said the basis for his arrest also included suspicion of having an open liquor container in a motor vehicle.

He has not been charged.

Police must release suspects after 48 hours, and officers say fatal traffic investigations normally take more time. Police veteran Danny Padayao was killed, and his beat partner Frederick Apo was injured in the accident.