Man fatally shot by Honolulu police pointed loaded gun at officer in McCully high-rise, chief says

A 55-year-old man pointed a loaded firearm at one of the Honolulu police officers executing a search warrant for drugs at the Century Center building Thursday night when an officer discharged three to four rounds from his rifle at the suspect, according to police Chief Susan Ballard.

Ballard spoke at a news conference at the Honolulu Police Department headquarters on South Beretania Street today to discuss the police shooting that occurred at a unit in the 1750 Kalakaua Ave. building in McCully shortly after 6 p.m.

Officers of HPD’s Specialized Services Division executed a search warrant for drugs at the unit. Building security and residents had said the unit is on the 22nd floor.

Ballard said a female occupant opened the front door and officers saw a bedroom door within the unit that was locked.

“The officers were forced to break down the door and observed a male with a handgun. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the suspect did not comply,” Ballard said.

According to police, the man pointed the gun at an officer, who discharged his rifle — striking the suspect in the upper right side of the body.

The 55-year-old man was transported in critical condition to a hospital, where he later died.

Ballard said no injuries were reported involving five other occupants in the unit. There were no injured police officers.

Officers arrested two men, ages 34 and 62, in the unit on suspicion of promoting a dangerous drug in the third-degree. The 34-year-old man was also arrested for criminal contempt of court.

Ballard said the search warrant was executed for the 62-year-old man.

The officer involved in the shooting has 13 years of service with HPD and has been placed on administrative leave, as is standard procedure.