Lindani Meyer

Date: 4/14/2021          Location: Honolulu, HI                      FACTORS (1,12,14,15,19)4?

Name: Lindani Myeni                        

Criminal History/Involved: None stated./Initially no since unbeknownst to the arriving officers, Myeni appeared to have accidentally entered the wrong house which he mistook for the one next door that is a temple of worship. Ultimately yes since Myeni assaulted the officers.          

Mental Illness: Unknown, Myeni was described as exhibiting “odd behavior.”

Substance Abuse History/Involved: Unknown./None stated.

Race/Sex/Age: Black/Male/29

Officer(s) involved: Three unnamed Honolulu Police Officers                                                      

What prompted the initial contact with police? At approximately 8:10 p.m. on April 14, 2021, Honolulu police responded to a 911 call about an unknown male trespassing at an occupied residence. Upon arrival the officers encountered the male, Lindani Myeni in the driveway of the property as a woman frantically yelled to them, “That’s him! That’s him!” One of the officers yelled at Myeni to “Get on the ground now!” while pointing his duty weapon at him.

Actions taken by subject towards police: Myeni ignored the officer’s commands and instead moved towards them and engaged in a physical struggle with two of them.           

Reactions by the police: The third officer tased Myeni which instead of immobilizing him only enraged him further as he then assaulted that third officer with his fists. While Myeni beat upon that third officer, one of the other officer’s shot Myeni in the chest. Myeni then attacked the officer that shot him, pummeling with his fists until he was shot three more times, ending his assault.

Outcome of investigation into the fatal police incident: Honolulu prosecuting attorney Steven S. Alm stated the police officers were justified in their use of deadly force.

What could the subject have done that day to still be alive today? Be more aware of his surroundings and not mistaken a stranger’s house for a religious temple; Peacefully comply with the officers’ orders to get on the ground; Not assault the officers and continue fighting with them even after being tased and then shot once.

Miscellaneous: All three of the officers were hospitalized, one with “major facial injuries and concussion.” Most of the incident, which took less than one minute from when the officers arrived, was captured on officers’ bodycams and a Ring video camera. The prosecuting attorney stated, “There was no evidence race played a role in the shooting.”

Justified Use of Deadly Force?YES, the officers reasonably feared Myeni’s physical assault upon them posed a mortal threat to themselves and their fellow officers.