A tense roadside stop in Kalihi turned into a dangerous confrontation Friday when Honolulu police say a man used his car in an apparent attempt to hit officers. District 5 Crime Reduction Unit officers had spotted the man working on a vehicle that was partially blocking the roadway and moved in to contact him. No officers were hurt, and police say the investigation is still underway.
What police say
In a Facebook post, the Honolulu Police Department said District 5 CRU officers saw a 42-year-old man working on a vehicle that was partially blocking the road. According to the department, the man quickly climbed into the driver’s seat, reversed toward a second officer, then drove directly at another officer.
Police say the suspect’s vehicle hit an unmarked police car during the encounter. Officers arrested the man on suspicion of attempted murder in the first degree of a law enforcement officer and resisting an order to stop, the Honolulu Police Department added.
Legal implications
Under Hawaiʻi law, attempting to commit murder is handled under the state’s criminal attempt statute, which defines an attempt as taking a substantial step toward carrying out an intended offense. That framework is laid out in materials from the Hawaiʻi Legislature.
The law that covers murder in the first degree includes tougher penalties when the alleged target is a protected person such as a law enforcement officer. That elevated category is described in Hawaiʻi’s homicide provisions as summarized by Justia.
Kalihi context
Kalihi has seen its share of serious cases in recent years, with several violent-crime investigations keeping extra patrols and specialized units busy in the neighborhood. Past coverage by Honolulu Civil Beat and other outlets has tracked earlier officer-involved confrontations, including shootings and high-risk arrests in the area.
Police say the latest case is still under investigation and that more information will be released when available, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Authorities have not yet provided additional details about the suspect’s booking or any possible motive.
