Badge Used by Suspect in Deadly Shootout Was Fake

Badge used by suspect in deadly shootout with police. Photo credit Maui Police.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui police today released a photo of the actual badge that Raymond Hodge used during a deadly shootout with police at Keōpūolani Park in Wailuku on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015, and have since confirmed the item was a fake.

Hodge, 39, had the badge in his possession during the time of the incident, according to police reports.   The badge used in last week’s incident read, “Special Agent, Human Trafficking Division US Investigator.”

Maui police say the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement branch has since confirmed that the badge is a fake and does not resemble their agency’s badge.

Authorities advise that all official law enforcement badges will have the name of the County, State or Federal agency on it.

Police advise the public to contact the department immediately if you are suspicious of a person claiming to be a law enforcement officer.

A preliminary investigation indicates that officers responded to a suspicious activity complaint at the Keōpūolani Park in Wailuku at around 8:54 p.m. on Aug. 5.  Police say the suspect had reportedly been impersonating a law enforcement officer and was holding what he claimed was a US Immigration badge. Police say he was dressed in plain clothes–a long sleeve shirt and tie and slacks.

Officers arrived on scene around 8:57 p.m. and approached Hodge and made contact.

Upon speaking with the suspect, police say he removed a small caliber handgun and fired at the officers. Officers returned fire striking the man who sustained injuries and later died at the scene.