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U.S. marshals and ATF offer rewards in manhunt for suspect in killing of Big Island officer

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COURTESY HAWAII COUNTY POLICE

Police continue to search for Justin Waiki, the 33-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of a Hawaii island police officer in Mountain View Tuesday night.

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COURTESY HAWAII COUNTY POLICE

Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa

The U.S. Marshals Service in Hawaii and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today each offered $10,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and capture of Justin Joshua Waiki, the suspect in fatal shooting of a Hawaii island police officer Tuesday night.

The latest reward offer comes after the FBI on Wednesday afternoon announced a $10,000 reward for Waiki’s capture. Police officer Bronson K. Kaliloa was gunned down allegedly by Waiki, 33, during a traffic stop on Highway 11 in the area of Kukui Camp Road in Mountain View.

Law enforcement officers were continuing their manhunt for the suspect today.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Kaliloa, Chief Ferreira, and the devoted officers of the Hawaii Police Department,” Gary Yandell, acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Hawaii, said in a statement today. “The men and woman of the U.S. Marshals Service stand ready and committed to support your department in any way possible and to help bring Officer Kaliloa’s killer to justice. As a long time law enforcement partner, the unnecessary death of Officer Kaliloa is also a loss to the U.S. Marshals Service and is felt agency-wide. We will persevere and be there with your department until the end.”

In addition, Gov. David today ordered that the U.S. and Hawaii flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and at Hawaii National Guard locations until sunset Friday in honor of Kaliloa. Flags will also be lowered on the day of Kaliloa’s memorial service, which have yet to be announced.

“Our entire state mourns the loss of Officer Kaliloa, a man who dedicated his life to his family and his community. He sacrificed all to protect the community he loved. Dawn and I send our deepest condolences to his ohana,” Ige said in a news release.

Hawaii island police said that at about 9:47 p.m. Tuesday, officers had learned that Waiki, who was wanted for failing to meet conditions of his bail, had pulled off to the shoulder of the highway. When officers approached the vehicle, Waiki exited the driver’s seat and fired multiple gunshots with what was believed to be a handgun, striking Kaliloa in the neck and leg, police said. Two other officers returned fire.

Police said Waiki fled on foot into nearby brush. There was no evidence of Waiki being struck by any bullets.

Medics transported Kaliloa to Hilo Medical Center where he underwent surgery but was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Kaliloa was honored in February 2015 with the 2014 Puna Patrol Officer of the Year award.

Waiki is about 5 feet 11 inches, between 145 to 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He also has a tattoo on the front of his neck. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and dark-colored jacket.

The public is advised not to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with tips and information can contact the Hawaii Police Department at 911 or at 935-3311, the Marshals Service at (800) 336-0102, or ATF’s toll free hotline at (888) 283-8477. Individuals who want to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 808-961-8300.

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