A police officer who witnessed the incident from his strike post at 98-1264 Ka'ahumanu St. where the 2 p.m. incident occurred said the male picket, 36, was standing in front of the suspect's car trying to exit the parking lot.

The driver accelerated his car, struck the picket and attempted to drive off. He was arrested for investigation of second-degree assault at 2:50 p.m. and released pending further investigation at 6:30 p.m.

The picket was treated for lacerations on his knee and later released after being examined at a hospital, police said.

Police today issued an advisory to motorists to expect delays and obey instructions of officers assigned to strike posts at Times Supermarket locations.

Police officers assigned to a strike post are responsible for preserving the peace, protecting life and property, and protecting the civil rights of all parties, including pickets and motorists, HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu said.

The officers continually monitor the situation to ensure that picketing is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, the public has access to sidewalk areas, and drivers are able to enter and exit driveways, she added.