A Makawao man shot by Maui police Friday while fleeing from the scene of a drug raid was allegedly driving a stolen car under the influence of an intoxicant, according to a police account of the incident released today.

George Henry Brittain Jr., 38, was found dead in the car about a mile from the Ho'omaha Road shooting scene in Makawao. An autopsy listed cause of death as internal bleeding from a gunshot wound near his armpit. Today's release did not state how many shots were fired by officers but only one reportedly hit Brittain.

Toxicology findings indicated Brittain had methamphetamine in his system, today's synopsis said. Also, drug residue and drug paraphernalia were found in a warrant search of the vehicle, which was stolen from the Kahului Airport parking lot March 12, the report stated.

Preliminary Maui police internal investigation findings indicate the actions of the police officers were justifiable, the news release said. The probe is ongoing and findings of the shooting will be forwarded to the department's Administrative Review Board for review. The case will also be submitted to the Prosecutor's Office for final review.

Today's release gave a police synopsis of what occurred Friday in the Investigative Services Bureau's narcotics raid at 241 Ho'omaha Road.

Officers had a warrant to search a metal warehouse on the property, the release said. Some officers were inside the warehouse while two other officers were holding a metal door open so others could enter.

The release said Brittain was in a car parked inside the warehouse and ignored officers' verbal commands to exit the vehicle.

The report stated Brittain reversed the car at officers and toward the warehouse door. Police shot to stop the vehicle but the car crashed through the metal door. The officers behind the door were thrown backwards, the release said.

Officers shot at the vehicle a second time as the car approached another officer, the report stated.

Brittain then drove off the property and was not pursued by the officers at the residence.

Three officers positioned behind the warehouse door are still being treated for injuries, which are not life threatening, the release said.