Kapahulu Barricade Incident Results in Officer Shooting
A significant law enforcement incident occurred in the Kapahulu area of Honolulu when a deputy sheriff was shot during a federal drug operation on Tuesday morning. The event unfolded around 9 a.m. as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents executed a federal narcotics warrant on Herbert Street. The situation escalated into a barricade standoff, lasting into the evening.
Details of the Kapahulu Incident
According to officials, the DEA was conducting an operation in collaboration with local law enforcement when a suspect opened fire. The deputy sheriff, part of the Department of Law Enforcement, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his hand and shrapnel injuries to his shoulder.
Community Reaction
Residents in the vicinity experienced shock and concern as the situation unfolded. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud bangs, initially mistaking them for firecrackers. Some residents described the chaotic response of law enforcement as they flooded the area in large numbers.
- Richard Puhalla, a local resident, noted hearing three loud bangs.
- Barbie Dudley, another neighbor, recounted her daughters expressing fear due to rapid gunfire.
- Kahealani Mole, a community member, criticized ongoing issues in the neighborhood, including homelessness.
Barricade and Negotiations
As the incident developed, the suspect barricaded himself inside the home while live-streaming on social media. During the livestream, he interacted with officers who were trying to negotiate his surrender, revealing he still possessed a firearm.
Ongoing Police Activity
In response to the escalating situation, the Honolulu Police Department cordoned off key streets in the area. Residents were advised to evacuate voluntarily, and a designated assembly area was established for those affected. This area, located at Paki Hale, provided support from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
- Road closures included Campbell Avenue from Brokaw Street to Kapahulu Avenue.
- Castle, Herbert, and Martha streets were also closed from Campbell Avenue to Winam Street.
Emergency services worked diligently to secure the area, ensuring that residents remained safe while negotiations with the suspect continued. As the situation progressed, law enforcement aimed for a peaceful resolution.
