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Hilo man fatally shot by police had troubled past

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DARYL LEE / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

Police investigated the shooting Monday of a man and a dog by a Hilo police officer on West Kawailani Street in Hilo.

HILO >> Court records show a Hilo man who was shot and killed by police this week had been awaiting a mental health examination and substance abuse treatment.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that the evaluation and treatment for Kalyp Rapoza had been ordered in a contempt of court case, in which he allegedly failed to comply with court orders related to a marijuana conviction.

Rapoza was killed by an officer responding to a disturbance report at a Hilo home Monday. Police say the officer encountered a man wielding a knife and a pit bull that had earlier chased paramedics into their vehicle when he fired several shots, killing Rapoza and the dog.

(The Hawaii County medical examiner determined that Rapoza, 25, of Hilo died from gunshot wounds to the head and body.

A pit bull killed in the same incident also died of gunshot wounds.)

The Hawaii Police Department officer has been placed on administrative leave.

The shootings remain under investigation.

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Star-Advertiser staff contributed to this story.

2 responses to “Hilo man fatally shot by police had troubled past”

  1. iwanaknow says:

    I will pray for both men and the dog.

  2. Solfan says:

    Poor doggie. :c

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