Police Beat
Advertiser Staff
Driver released in Waialua death
A 24-year-old Pearl City man has been released pending further investigation on a first-degree negligent homicide charge after a traffic accident Wednesday night that killed a Waialua man.
The collision occurred when a 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe crossed the double center line while traveling southeast on Kaukonanua Road in Waialua, about a half-mile southeast of Farrington Highway, and struck a 1990 Toyota pickup truck. The truck driver, 38, died at the scene.
Police said alcohol was a factor in the accident.
Officer cleared in fatal shooting
City prosecutors have cleared a police sharpshooter who shot and killed a man after a two-hour standoff in Wahiawa last June.
The officer fired at Dunstan Long, 20, after police were called to the scene June 3 by witnesses who said Long was firing a rifle at a car leaving his home at 290 Karsten Drive.
Two men in the car were injured. Long also fired at the specialized services officers who tried to get him to surrender. One officer, age 42, fired a shot that hit Long in the chest.
In October the city prosecutor's office decided against seeking charges against the officer. Spokesman Jim Fulton said prosecutors found the use of force justifiable because of the substantial risk that Long could kill or injure more people.
Kahala robber linked to holdup
Police are looking for a man in his late 30s or early 40s in connection with a robbery Wednesday at the American Savings Bank in the Financial Plaza at Fort Street Mall. They believe the same man is responsible for a December bank heist.
He has been described as 5 feet 10, weighing 140 pounds, with a slim build and fair complexion. He has dark hair and a graying mustache and beard, and was wearing dark sunglasses, a light baseball cap, a dark T-shirt and a dark watch on his left hand.
Witnesses told police the man passed a note to the teller that demanded money and said he was armed, although no weapon was seen.
Police believe he is the same man who robbed the Central Pacific Bank branch in Kahala on Dec. 13.
Anonymous tips can be phoned in to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300, or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
Pedestrian struck in 'Ewa Beach
A 65-year-old man was in critical condition yesterday at The Queen's Medical Center after being struck by a van at about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday in 'Ewa Beach.
He was in the shoulder of the eastbound lanes of Farrington Highway, about a half-mile west of Old Fort Weaver Road, when he stepped into the path of a white 1999 Ford van.
The driver, 29, tried to veer around the man, but was unable to avoid hitting him.
Kaimuki suspect held in extortion
Police arrested a 42-year-old Kaimuki man early Tuesday in connection with an extortion case in which an acquaintance said the man had forced him to sign over ownership of his car.
The acquaintance, 41, said the man confronted him Friday night and said he would hurt him, his girlfriend and their baby unless he signed over the car.
The car was found Monday at the suspect's 12th Avenue home.
Police were called, and while they were at the scene the suspect reappeared and was arrested at 12:15 a.m. Tuesday.
