Honolulu officer hit, killed during traffic stop

HONOLULU — A Honolulu police officer is dead and another seriously injured after a pickup truck veered off a highway and onto a median where a group of officers was gathered for a routine traffic stop, authorities said Wednesday.

Officer Eric Fontes, 45, died Tuesday night after the truck struck him as he stood on the grassy median near Ko Olina Resort, Police Chief Louis Kealoha said.

Also injured in the wreck was Officer Herman Scanlon, 55, who remained hospitalized Wednesday in serious but stable condition.

Three other officers managed to jump out of the way.

"This tragedy highlights the dangers our officers face every day and the stress their families must endure," Kealoha said.

At the department's downtown headquarters Wednesday, Kealoha paused at a photo of Fontes displayed near a flickering candle before relaying details of the crash. A black band crossed his badge, along with the badges of other police officials flanking him.

According to Kealoha, Scanlon pulled over a sport utility vehicle at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on westbound Farrington Highway near the Ko Olina off-ramp.

Fontes was among the four officers who responded as backup.

With blue police lights flashing, Fontes and the three others stood on the median near the concrete divide while Scanlon stood near his vehicle.

The chief said a 2003 Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 20-year-old Waianae man, suddenly veered left off the highway and onto the median.

"The truck hit the concrete divide and struck officer Fontes as the other officers were able to jump out of the way," he said.

The truck then crashed into a police car, which slammed into Scanlon and the pulled-over SUV. The two adults and child in the SUV were not injured.

The truck's driver was arrested and faces negligent homicide and negligent injury charges.

"At this point in the investigation, alcohol is not considered a contributing factor," police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said. However, speed is a possible factor, she said. The speed limit in the area is 45 mph.

Sgt. Tenari Maafala, police union president, said Fontes, who was married with three step-children, will be remembered for his infectious smile and devotion to his Christian faith.

"What really brings peace to our hearts is that he was a God-fearing man," Maafala said.