UPDATE: 8:15 p.m.
Honolulu police Chief Joe Logan confirmed that attempted murder suspect Sydney Tafokitau was killed in a shoot out with police officers, two of whom were injured by gunfire.
The two officers — one with five years experience on the force, the other with two years — were in a hospital undergoing surgery, Logan said. He did not release their conditions.
Speaking at a news conference this evening at HPD headquarters, Logan described a complicated island-wide manhunt and chase stretching from Kapahulu to the North Shore and back to the University area for several hours this afternoon.
The chase included a carjacking on the Windward side, and multiple shots fired by the suspect at the pursuing officers. “He would make U-turns and shoot at officers,” Logan said.
Tafokitau, 44, was shot around University Avenue and Dole Street after 4 p.m., taken to the hospital where he died, Logan said. He said a fourth male was injured by a police vehicle, but he did not share any details.
Logan defended HPD which released little information to the public during the day as the situation unfolded, saying it was a complicated and active chase, and that “our goal was to apprehend the suspect.”
6:20 p.m.
Two Honolulu police officers were shot today allegedly by the 44-year-old man wanted for three separate shootings since Dec. 16. The suspect, Sydney Tafokitau, was shot and killed by HPD officers as he tried to flee arrest on University Avenue, according to Honolulu Star-Advertiser sources.
A Crime Reduction Unit officer was grazed in the head by a gunshot and a patrol officer was shot in the stomach. They were taken to The Queen’s Medical Center and their conditions are not immediately known.
Robert Cavaco, president of the police officers union SHOPO, said in a statement to the Star-Advertiser, “This afternoon, two Honolulu Police Department officers were shot while attempting to apprehend a dangerous attempted murder suspect. We are praying for the full and swift recovery of our injured brothers who risked their lives and sacrificed their safety today to protect the lives and safety of the public. Out of respect for the officers and their families, we will not be disclosing any additional information at this time.
The Honolulu Police Department released no details on today’s events but a spokesperson said, “Officers at University Ave. and multiple persons are being treated for injuries.”
UPDATE: 4:45 p.m.
Honolulu police said they have closed University Avenue from Metcalf to King streets, including Dole Street, for a “criminal investigation” as they search for attempted murder suspect Sydney Tafokitau.
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A 44 year-old man wanted for a Dec. 16 shooting and stabbing is being sought by Honolulu police after a shooting on Moanalua Freeway this morning.
Alohea Avenue was closed earlier this afternoon from McCorriston to Edna streets in Kapahulu after suspect Sydney Tafokitau allegedly shot at police officers who were pursuing him. The street has since been reopened.
“Tafokitau is considered armed and dangerous. Call 911 and do not approach,” police said.
Tafokitau also allegedly shot a 39-year-old woman this morning.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services technicians responded after 7 a.m. and treated the woman “with advanced life support who suffered multiple apparent gun shot wounds and continued treatment en route to an emergency room.”
Honolulu police responded at 7:17 a.m. to a report of an aggravated assault on the eastbound airport exit from the freeway. Police closed the exit as they investigated.
CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department are asking for the public’s help finding Tafokitau who was already wanted for first-degree attempted and first degree robbery.
On Dec. 16, at about 12:45 a.m., Tafokitau allegedly argued with a group of males on Rose Street in Kalihi.
He allegedly shot at the group, hitting one man, and stabbed another man in the shoulder, police said.
On Dec. 21, “multiple no-bail warrants were issued for his arrest” according to HPD.
At 11:35 a.m. today, plainclothes HPD officers tried to arrest Tafokitau in a stolen vehicle in Kalihi when he allegedly “fired multiple times at their unmarked vehicle.”
Tafokitau fled on Likelike Highway. Shortly after, he allegedly stole another vehicle at gunpoint.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. The public can also send anonymous web tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips App.
