LIHU‘E — The high-school student arrested after being stunned with an electronic control device by police Wednesday is now out on bail. Tumua Masaniai, 18, a student at Kapa‘a High School, was subdued with an electric device on campus around
LIHU‘E — The high-school student arrested after being stunned with an electronic control device by police Wednesday is now out on bail.
Tumua Masaniai, 18, a student at Kapa‘a High School, was subdued with an electric device on campus around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Kaua‘i Police Department. He was arrested and transported to the police cellblock after a routine medical clearance at Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Lihu‘e.
Masaniai spoke briefly to The Garden Island Thursday. He did not want to speak about the arrest and said he was looking forward to putting this incident behind him.
“It was unfortunate that this incident had to happen, but in reflection it was handled well,” Kapa‘a High School Principal Daniel Hamada said. “Just by watching how students and staff reacted, it was good that they knew what to do and reacted appropriately to ensure that people remain safe.”
Hamada said the police wanted the student regarding an off-campus incident and that it had nothing to do with the school. He said two police detectives met with the school relations officer, and that staff reports to him note that the student was identified outside near the cafeteria area before classes started.
Masaniai was wanted in connection with a robbery case, according to police. He is charged with robbery, unauthorized entry into a vehicle, resisting arrest and terroristic threatening. Officers arrived at the school in search of the student.
According to police, more students were arriving for classes when an officer attempted to arrest Masaniai. The report states the 6-foot, 270-pound student refused to submit to repeated verbal commands.
Masaniai reportedly threatened officers and resisted attempts to be handcuffed. The statement said he was warned that an electronic control device would be used if he did not submit.
There were no injuries to Masaniai or the officers involved, according to the police statement. He was reportedly standing when the instrument was used, the police states.
