Car used to hit police officer in Pearl City found abandoned
The stolen car used to strike and injure a police officer in Pearl City was found abandoned Tuesday night near the 7-Eleven where the incident occurred.
Police are still searching for the driver and a passenger in the case, which has been classified as an attempted murder.
The investigating officer was knocked to the ground and his handgun went off accidentally, but no one was hit, police said. The injured lieutenant was taken to the hospital in serious condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Chief Louis Kealoha at a news conference said the Pearl City officer “had his weapon out and when the driver reversed and struck the officer, it caused the officer’s gun to accidentally discharge.”
Initially police said the suspect in the Pearl City incident was the subject of a manhunt Tuesday afternoon in Kaaawa, but lated reported there was no connection.
Police Tuesday arrested a 19-year-old homeless man for car theft and several other felony charges after he allegedly stole a car in Kaaawa.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
A manhunt for the 19-year-old sent Kaaawa Elementary School into lockdown from 1:40 p.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to car theft, that suspect faces six other criminal charges for property damage, reckless endangerment and driving without a license.