Graphic witness videos show bystanders fleeing as suspects fire more than 20 rounds, injuring 4

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Witness video shows suspects firing off more than 20 rounds during a gunfight late Thursday near Thomas Square that left four people injured.

One person was in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to his lower body. Two others were seriously injured with gunshot wounds to their torso and leg, respectively. The ages of the gunshot wound victims were 15, 17, and 20.

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Portions of the following video may be disturbing to some.

A fourth person, a 49-year-old man who tried to intervened, was injured in an assault and has been released from the hospital.

In a video taken immediately after the shooting, a woman could be heard warning other bystanders to “be careful.”

“They’re still there,” she yelled.

When asked who she was talking about, the woman responded, “the shooter.”

The video also shows an officer armed with a long gun running towards the scene.

Heather Dikes was behind the camera. She could be heard shouting, “Go, Go, Go! God bless you. God bless you!”

Later, Dikes asks people around her, “Was this a protest? This is a protest right?”

The person next to her responded, “It was a graduation.”

Police said the violence broke out just before 9 p.m. on Beretania Street near the Blaisdell Center. A graduation ceremony was happening at the venue Thursday night, but police couldn’t confirm a linke.

In bystander videos, police could be overheard questioning witnesses for information on the suspects.

“Did anyone see the shooter,” the officer asked. “Anyone that can ID him?”

Police later pulled over a vehicle with the suspects inside. Three people were taken into custody.

Officers have identified the alleged shooter as 21-year-old Calijah Melvin Maleko, and say he was arrested Friday night on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. He has no prior convictions.

Two other suspects were booked on suspicion of third-degree assault. One suspect was identified as 18-year-old Kapanata Ito, but the other has not been identified because he is a juvenile.

Police said they have not recovered any weapons.

HPD Capt. Parker Bode said Friday afternoon the relationships between the victims and suspects were under investigation. It was also not immediately known what triggered the incident.

According to police, one of the suspects shot multiple rounds at three of the victims during the fight. Police said a witness then tried to chase after the suspect but was then assaulted by two other suspects. He sustained minor injuries.

The three who were shot were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. One was taken by ambulance, while the two others were transported in private vehicles. They remain hospitalized.

A passing vehicle was also struck by a stray round, but the occupants were not injured.

According to a Blaisdell Center events calendar, the Youth Challenge Academy had a graduation ceremony on Thursday night.

Witnesses recounted hearing the gunshots and said there were a lot of people trying to run away from the area.

“These kids are picking up guns, and they’re hurting themselves, and it’s like watching somebody drown, and not being able to do anything about it,” Dikes said. “What’s wrong with people? Why would somebody do this?”

A portion of King Street, from Ward Avenue to Pensacola Street, was shut down during the investigation but has since reopened.

This is developing story. Check back for updates.

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