Corrections Officer Cleared From Inmate Shooting of Hawaiin Man

The Department of Public Safety has finished its investigation into the fatal shooting of a Big Island inmate and the corrections officer has been cleared. Twenty-eight-year-old Thane Leialoha died from a gunshot to the back of the head. He was shot while trying to run from a corrections officer in downtown Hilo. The officer was put on administrative leave while the Department of Public Safety investigated. It found the officer did not use excessive force.  However the officer won't return to work just yet. "Not at this point," said Frank Lopez, Interim Public Safety Director. "He still has the criminal investigation that has to be concluded yet, but we will have further discussions." Hilo police is conducting its own investigation into whether the officer faces criminal charges. Detectives are still working on that case. [MORE]