HONOLULU (KHON2) — Maui Police Chief John Pelletier addressed whether violent crime is on the rise on Maui, following the tragic incident that claimed the life of police officer Suzanne O.
“I can sit here and tell you violent crime is down 8%, but you know what? It doesn’t feel like it right now,” Maui Police Department Chief Pelletier said.
The Chief responded to questions throughout a press conference held on Thursday, Aug. 21.
“Some in the community might ask whether tragedy could be prevented. What would be your response? And does this incident reveal larger issues of violent crime on Maui?” KHON2 asked.
“There’s no way I can sit here and tell you that there’s nothing that could’ve been done to prevent this,” Chief Pelletier responded.
Chief Pelletier then revealed his stance concerning ex-felons possessing firearms, such as in this situation. “If you’re an ex-felon, you should not have access to firearms.”
Chief Pelletier added, “There should be mandatory prison time to be an ex-felon with a firearm. You look at all of the details that we know about the suspect that’s been released at this time and that individual should not have a gun.”
The suspect in custody for shooting Officer O had a current temporary restraining order placed on him by the mother of his children.
Court records also indicated he had a criminal history dating back to 2005. That history included a felony theft conviction, disorderly conduct and reckless driving.
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According to the Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division, Nelson Hamilton, there was a second gun recovered at the crime scene.
The investigation is still pending whether or not the weapon was used.