Manhunt Ends with Capture at Molokai Airport

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor  

An incident at Schofield Barracks on Oahu culminated with the capture of the suspect at Molokai Airport on Thursday night, Sept. 28. 

According to reports, the suspect, identified as Paul Smith, had assaulted a soldier at Schofield Barracks at around 2:30 p.m., prompting a lockdown of the military base and nearby schools. No shots were fired, but the suspect reportedly was in possession of a handgun. 

Smith avoided Oahu law enforcement throughout the afternoon Thursday, although lockdowns were eventually lifted for Scofield Barracks and surrounding areas. 

According to Civil Beat, Smith flew from Dillingham Airfield on Oahu, arriving on Molokai via a small private plane between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday night. The Molokai Airport was on alert after being contacted by the FBI. 

Molokai police apprehended Smith without incident at approximately 8 p.m. at the Molokai Airport, explained Alana Pico, a representative for the Maui Police Department. 

Eyewitness videos posted on social media showed multiple police officers leading a handcuffed Smith through the airport terminal. 

Information regarding how Smith was able to obtain passage to Molokai and why he came remain unclear.