LIHU‘E — An island-wide manhunt for a homicide suspect entered its tenth day on Kaua‘i with no resolution in sight, as local authorities advised the public to remain vigilant.
The search for Chris Santos, 48, continued through the weekend, the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) said Sunday.
Santos is being sought for the fatal shooting of Kith Silva-Lacro, 28, of Kalaheo, on Thursday, Sept. 7. The shooting was reported at about 10:45 p.m on Kahili Mountain Road, the KPD said.
The incident also involved a second victim, who is currently listed in stable condition at an undisclosed hospital. Authorities believe Santos is still on the island of Kaua‘i.
Santos is considered armed and dangerous. He stands 6 feet, 2 inches tall, and weighs about 250 pounds. Santos has been wanted in connection with the murder since Sept. 8.
“We continue to follow up on all credible leads and are working tirelessly to locate and safely apprehend Chris Santos,” said KPD Chief Todd G. Raybuck in a statement on Sunday.
“Our community’s safety remains our number one priority, and we continue to remind all to stay vigilant. As the chief of police, I am personally asking Chris to contact us at KPD immediately so we can ensure everyone’s safety and negotiate a peaceful conclusion to this situation.”
The manhunt has produced some concerning moments, including on Friday when authorities followed up on a lead that Santos could be in the westside of the island.
That potential development led authorities to employ lockdowns at multiple schools — Kekaha Elementary, Waimea High, Waimea Canyon Middle School and ‘Ele‘ele Elementary — at approximately 2:15 p.m. as a precaution.
“As the majority of students had already left these campuses at the end of the school day, students in after-school athletics and extracurricular programs were secured in campus facilities until clearance was received from the Kaua‘i Police Department,” said Kauai Complex Area Superintendent Daniel S. Hamada in a statement on Friday.
“School administrators and staff worked in close coordination with officers on-site and all students were kept safe and secure. The safety of our students is a major priority and we are committed to providing secure campuses. I would like to commend our students, families, teachers and staff for their cooperation.”
The search for Santos previously led law enforcement authorities to close off Ma‘alo Road by Wailua Falls and Kuamo‘o Road near Wailua Reservoir early Wednesday morning. But after conducting an operation in connection with Santos, the roads were opened back up later in the morning.
The police department has also received reports of different individuals providing transportation for Santos. Those reports prompted the police department to remind people that providing such assistance is unlawful and punishable by up to five years in prison.
“Hindering Prosecution in the 1st Degree is a felony offense, and KPD will seek to hold any person identified as providing assistance to Mr. Santos accountable to the full extent of the law,” Raybuck said in a statement on Thursday.
Santos, who has five prior felony convictions, was recently released from federal custody after being convicted of multiple crimes, including assaulting law enforcement officers and unlawful transport of firearms.
Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of Santos is encouraged to contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or the general crimes lieutenant at 808-241-1683.
People wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kauai at 808-246-8300 or submit a tip at cskauai.org.
•••
Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
