Nelson was spotted by a police officer rear-ending a bus and drinking an alcoholic beverage behind the wheel. After the officer tried to prevent Nelson from taking off, he made U-turns and drove his car onto a sidewalk and hitting a tree, prompting police to fire and kill Nelson. Honolulu Police defended the decision to shoot Nelson, claiming it was done to prevent further safety risks.
Victim's Name: Richard Lee Nelson
Agency Responsible: Honolulu Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 52
Race: Unknown race
Date of Death: July 30, 2014
County: Honolulu
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Drug or alcohol use
Armed: Vehicle
Weapon: vehicle
Geography: Urban