HPD investigates fight between officer, man arrested earlier

By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Honolulu Police Department is investigating a fight Sunday morning between a patrol sergeant and a 28-year-old man, who had been released after posting bail for allegedly possessing an open liquor container in his car.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on South Hotel Street, behind police headquarters.

Internal Affairs is handling the investigation and reviewing surveillance videotapes.

"It appears the altercation was related to an earlier arrest," said police spokeswoman Michelle Yu. "It is not clear who started the fight."

The man, Levi Kaai, was arrested on suspicion of having an open liquor container in his car at 3:04 a.m. by a patrol officer at Coral and Pohukaina streets. Also arrested was Sharilyn Martinez, 20. Both were released at 5:50 a.m. after each posted $500 bail.

Both were re-arrested at 6:20 a.m. on suspicion of harassment and disorderly conduct following the incident with the sergeant. The arrested man suffered a head injury that required more than 10 stitches to close.

The sergeant, 40, is an 18-year veteran of the department.

Advertiser staff writer Rod Ohira contributed to this report. Reach Peter Boylan at 535-8110 or pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.