Kauaʻi homicide suspect shot once during arrest attempt

KEKAHA, Hawaii (KHON2) — The Kauaʻi Police Department said Chris Santos was arrested after an officer-involved shooting.

“Wanted homicide suspect Chris Santos of Kauaʻi, sustained injuries following an officer involved shooting with federal law enforcement Sunday night [Sept. 17],” reported KPD. “Santos has been wanted by police since Sept. 8, for the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kith Silva-Lacro of Kalāheo that occurred on Thursday, Sept. 7, on Kahili Mountain Road.”

According to KPD, they collaboratively worked with United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in an operation that located and then apprehended Santos.

On Sept. 17 at approximately 10:20 p.m., KPD, FBI and USMS were able to locate Santos who was operating a motor vehicle in the vicinity of the Kekaha Beach Park. He was approximately one-quarter mile west of the Akialoa Road and Kaumuali‘i Highway Junction.

“Unfortunately, despite several efforts to encourage Mr. Santos to peacefully surrender to police, his actions during contact with law enforcement officers resulted in an officer involved shooting,” said KPD Chief of Police Todd Raybuck. No officers were injured during the encounter.

As a result of the encounter, KPD said Santos was transported to Wilcox Hospital for treatment. He is currently receiving treatment for a gunshot wound. A female passenger was not harmed.

Two rifles were later recovered right outside of the suspect’s stolen vehicle.

In a news conference, Chief Raybuck said that Santos was recently released from federal custody and had a history of evading police.

The victim’s family said they feel a sense of relief, but want answers on what happened.

“It shouldn’t have been this long, it shouldn’t have been like this,” said Kuulei Manintin, cousin of the victim. “For our family, we just want justice.” “For the people that fed him, the people that hid him, the people that gave him rides, the people, just everybody involved. We want justice.”

Santos has been charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree and firearms offenses.