Two police officers were fatally shot and several houses caught on fire while law enforcement officials dealt with an incident that turned violent in Hawaii.
A man with a firearm approached and shot at officers who were responding to an assault call in Waikiki around the intersection of Poni Moi Road and Hibiscus Drive on Sunday, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser. The suspect, Jerry Hanel, 69, was reportedly being served an eviction notice when he stabbed his landlord, Lois Cain, 77, in the leg.
Police then shut down the surrounding areas, including Kalakaua Avenue and Paki Avenue near Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head Road near Hibiscus Place. Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama have been identified as the two Hawaii police officers killed, while a third was also injured.
#UPDATE: Two @honolulupolice officers now confirmed dead in shooting near Diamond Head on Hibiscus Drive #Breaking @KITV4
— Tom George (@TheTomGeorge) January 19, 2020
Cain had filed to evict Hanel, who has a history of run-ins with law enforcement, on Wednesday. Police believe Hanel fled into the home, which caught fire soon after, following his attack on Cain and the officers. Authorities said he likely died after the building went up in flames but have not yet confirmed his condition. The fire spread to at least a dozen nearby homes, but its initial source was unclear.
“My prayers and thoughts are with the families of the Honolulu Police Department officers who were killed and all who were injured during the Diamond Head incident today — my heart aches for all who are involved,” Honolulu City Councilwoman Kymberly Marcos Pine said. “It is terribly upsetting to see the recent increase in crime, and we grieve with HPD and other first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell also shared her condolences, tweeting, “I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the two officers as well as the entire Honolulu Police Department. This is an unprecedented tragedy for not only the City and County of Honolulu but the entire state of Hawai’i.”
Our office is in communication with the Honolulu Police Department as more details about the circumstances around this horrific event come to light. Our hearts go out to the first responders who are on the scene as this event unfolds.
— Kirk Caldwell (@MayorKirkHNL) January 19, 2020
