KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (AP) - Hawaii County police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in police custody.
Police said in a statement Tuesday Randall Hatori was a passenger in a car officers pulled over at a Kona gas station at 12:30 a.m.
Police arrested the driver on a warrant for contempt of court, but Hatori fled on foot. Police say Hatori was wanted for assault and violating temporary restraining orders.
Police say officers pursued Hatori, and a struggle ensued while trying to apprehend him. The 39-year-old of Kailua-Kona man became unresponsive while in police custody at the scene.
Firefighters took Hatori to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead before 2 a.m.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.
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