In a tense confrontation in the Kalihi neighborhood, Blaine Apostadiro, 47, was taken into police custody following a shootout with Honolulu Police Department officers. According to a report by KITV, the incident occurred after a stolen vehicle was intercepted near 1540 Linapuni St. Apostadiro allegedly fired upon pursuing officers before being critically wounded in the exchange.
The encounter took place early yesterday morning when the suspect and a passenger, identified as Jade Timoteo, 34, were stopped by authorities. After attempting to flee, Apostadiro discharged a firearm at officers, who responded in kind. Injured in the shootout, he now faces a slew of charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and illegal possession of a firearm. Timoteo was charged with unauthorized entry into a vehicle. No HPD officers sustained injuries during the clash.
Details emerging from a KHON2 follow-up revealed the suspect's criminal history, including 36 convictions and a recent plea of not guilty to two felony drug counts in June 2024. Despite being on a $100,000 bail, Apostadiro's actions have drawn the attention of law enforcement once again. HPD Chief Joe Logan, during a press conference, disclosed that the weapon used by Apostadiro was a "polymer ghost gun" recovered at the scene. He cautioned that, with this being the third shooting in a Kalihi state housing complex in as many days, measures at the gates may need reassessment.
Concerns over security at the towers at Kuhio Park have been echoed by residents, with reports of unchecked access through security gates. "It’s just known if you’re trying to run away or get away just go to KPT," one resident explained in an interview with KHON2, hinting at a broader issue of crime within the community. Davelyn Toyama, a local resident, reminisced about the tighter security controls in place during her time as a security worker at the complex. "They use to check IDs," she said. "I used to check every vehicle, if your car was illegal you could not enter, we would mark it and we had list but now they don’t do that anymore."
While the public housing department did not respond to inquiries about security measures at public housing complexes. This latest incident compounds the growing concern over violence in the area. As the investigation continues, many residents are left hoping for a more secure and peaceful neighborhood.
