LIHU’E — A Waimea man who was shot by a police officer last month will be facing criminal charges. Tavis Apo, 30, was bound over to Circuit Court on Monday after a preliminary hearing was held. Judge Trudy Senda determined
LIHU’E — A Waimea man who was shot by a police officer last month will be facing criminal charges.
Tavis Apo, 30, was bound over to Circuit Court on Monday after a preliminary hearing was held.
Judge Trudy Senda determined that there was enough probable cause to bring assault, terroristic-threatening and criminal-property-damage charges against Apo.
Apo was shot in the face by Kaua’i Police Officer Randy Ledesma near the Lihu’e police headquarters on Ka’ana Street.
Ledesma was in a police car, and had blocked in the sport-utility vehicle that Apo was driving, according to prosecutors, police and county sources.
Apo allegedly rammed the police car, and was attempting to do it again when he was shot, according to police.
Apo was also allegedly waving a knife and a pellet gun during the Sept. 18 incident.
According to a complaint filed by County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ken Norelli, Apo was allegedly driving under the influence of a drug, and intended to terrorize KPD officers Ledesma, Randall Nero, David Banquel, James Kurosaki, Karen Kapua and Daniel Oliveira, at the time of the incident.
Apo was represented Monday by Public Defender Erick Moon.
