KONA, HI – Kona Patrol Officer Dylan Chaves has been recognized as Officer of the Month for March 2025 by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee (KCPC) for his empathetic and dedicated work in pursuing a complex domestic violence investigation. The award was presented during a ceremony in Kona on March 5, 2025.

The incident unfolded on October 23, 2024, when Officer Chaves was investigating an unrelated matter at a clothing store in Kailua-Kona. There, he recognized a female patron as a previous domestic violence victim he had assisted. During a brief exchange, Officer Chaves, noticing the woman’s distressed state and visible injuries on her face, sensed she was in immediate need of help. Despite her fears that her abuser would discover she had spoken to law enforcement, Officer Chaves’ concerns prompted him to inquire about her well-being.

The victim, initially hesitant, eventually agreed to meet with Officer Chaves later that evening. She revealed that in the preceding 24 hours, she had been held captive by her abuser, who terrorized her by wielding a hammer and threatening to strike her. She further disclosed that the suspect was monitoring her movements through her cell phone and home surveillance cameras, both inside and outside their residence. Throughout the interview, Officer Chaves noted several attempts by the suspect to contact the victim.

Officer Chaves immediately coordinated with the County Prosecutor’s Office and the Area II Juvenile Aid Section to ensure they were aware of the situation and to provide necessary services to the victim and any involved children. Despite the suspect’s attempts to evade capture, Officer Chaves relentlessly pursued him, ultimately leading to his arrest.

The suspect has been charged with the following offenses:

• First-degree terroristic threatening
• Second-degree assault
• Two counts of abuse of a family or household member
• Kidnapping
• Violating the terms and conditions of release of bail

The suspect was initially held at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center on $326,000 bail. Following efforts by the Prosecutor’s office, his bail was revoked, and he remains in custody pending trial.

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee praised Officer Chaves for his dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the victim. His actions, they stated, were instrumental in gaining the victim’s trust and potentially saving her from a dangerous and rapidly escalating abusive relationship. The award serves as a testament to the vital role law enforcement officers play in protecting the community and providing support to vulnerable individuals.