Felon used unregistered rifle in New Year’s chase and shootout with Honolulu police, records show

Published January 3, 2024 8:05 PM

By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER
Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Court records show the subject of an island-wide manhunt New Year’s Day in Hawaii was a felon barred from owning the high-powered rifle he used to open fire on Honolulu police in a shootout that left two officers wounded and the suspect dead. Sidney Tafokitau was accused of shooting a woman and carjacking another woman at gunpoint before leading officers on a chase around Oahu. Tafokitau had posted bail just two weeks prior on gun-related charges. Police have faced criticism for the pursuit and for not alerting the public as the situation unfolded. Court records show a long criminal history for Tafokitau, including a 20-year prison sentence for robbery and convictions for gun crimes.

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