HONOLULU, HA - A man suspected of committing three recent bank robberies in Hawaii was fatally shot by police early Friday morning after a standoff in Waikiki. According to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), the suspect, identified as Eric J. Walsh, had a long criminal history with 41 convictions, including 27 felonies.
HPD Chief Joe Logan stated that officers had been searching for Walsh due to his suspected involvement in three bank robberies. The first robbery occurred on July 3 in Kaneohe, the second on July 8 in Kailua, and the third on July 16 in Aiea. In each instance, the robber handed a demand note to the teller and escaped with money.
On Thursday afternoon, police received information suggesting that Walsh was at an apartment building in Waikiki. Officers arrived at the Waikiki condominium located at 2509 Ala Wai Blvd around 8:00 p.m. and identified a man matching the description of the bank robber.
Chief Logan reported that Walsh was armed with a handgun, which he pointed at a police drone. The situation escalated, prompting the deployment of HPD’s crisis negotiation team. Despite their efforts, Walsh refused to communicate with the negotiators by phone.
“The suspect refused to communicate with our negotiators by phone,” Logan said. At about 4:00 a.m. Friday, officers “threw in less lethal chemical canisters into the unit,” which is similar to pepper spray.
“The suspect exited the unit and pointed his firearm at the officers,” Logan said. At that time, four officers fired and the suspect was killed.
The medical examiner is responsible for officially identifying the deceased man as Walsh. Walsh's criminal record spans more than a decade and includes convictions for car burglary, car theft, terroristic threatening, identity theft, theft, and using a stolen credit card. His most recent conviction, from November of the previous year, resulted in a four-year probation sentence.
The four officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure following such incidents.
This incident marks the end of a series of bank robberies that had caused significant concern in the local community. The HPD continues to investigate the case to confirm all details and ensure that proper procedures were followed.
By detailing Walsh’s extensive criminal history and the circumstances of the standoff, the HPD aims to provide transparency about the events leading up to his death. This tragic outcome highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the severe consequences of violent criminal behavior.
HPD Chief Joe Logan stated that officers had been searching for Walsh due to his suspected involvement in three bank robberies. The first robbery occurred on July 3 in Kaneohe, the second on July 8 in Kailua, and the third on July 16 in Aiea. In each instance, the robber handed a demand note to the teller and escaped with money.
On Thursday afternoon, police received information suggesting that Walsh was at an apartment building in Waikiki. Officers arrived at the Waikiki condominium located at 2509 Ala Wai Blvd around 8:00 p.m. and identified a man matching the description of the bank robber.
Chief Logan reported that Walsh was armed with a handgun, which he pointed at a police drone. The situation escalated, prompting the deployment of HPD’s crisis negotiation team. Despite their efforts, Walsh refused to communicate with the negotiators by phone.
“The suspect refused to communicate with our negotiators by phone,” Logan said. At about 4:00 a.m. Friday, officers “threw in less lethal chemical canisters into the unit,” which is similar to pepper spray.
“The suspect exited the unit and pointed his firearm at the officers,” Logan said. At that time, four officers fired and the suspect was killed.
The medical examiner is responsible for officially identifying the deceased man as Walsh. Walsh's criminal record spans more than a decade and includes convictions for car burglary, car theft, terroristic threatening, identity theft, theft, and using a stolen credit card. His most recent conviction, from November of the previous year, resulted in a four-year probation sentence.
The four officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure following such incidents.
This incident marks the end of a series of bank robberies that had caused significant concern in the local community. The HPD continues to investigate the case to confirm all details and ensure that proper procedures were followed.
By detailing Walsh’s extensive criminal history and the circumstances of the standoff, the HPD aims to provide transparency about the events leading up to his death. This tragic outcome highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the severe consequences of violent criminal behavior.
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