Updated at 8:37 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2007
Kaua'i man charged with attempted murder of officer
Advertiser Staff
KAPA'A – A 21-year-old Kapa'a man has been charged with attempting to murder a police officer and other offenses and is being held at the Kaua'i Community Correctional Center.
Payton Rapozo was arrested on Jan. 7 at the Kapa'a Family Project.
Police said patrol officers were responding to a domestic disturbance at the housing project when Rapozo tossed a liquid substance, believed to be gasoline, on to Officer Chris Gandeza. Rapozo had a lighter in his possession and attempted to ignite the lighter while saying he intended to take Gandeza's life, police said. They said he also pointed two knives at Gandeza.
Other officers at the scene were able to subdue Rapozo.
Gandeza was taken to Wilcox Hospital, where he was treated and released.
Other charges against Rapozo stemming from the incident include criminal property damage, terroristic threatening and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
Police are continuing their investigation of the incident.
