Assignment: Criminal Investigation Division
Date of Birth: January 22, 1963
Appointment Date: January 17, 1991
End of Watch: March 4, 2003
Officer Gaspar was born in Honolulu and graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1981.
On March 4th, 2003 Officer Gaspar and officers from the Criminal Investigation Division’s Career Criminal Unit staked out an establishment for a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred several days prior.
The officers observed the suspect walk by cautiously past the establishment before finally entering prior to 1:00 p.m. The officers then proceeded into the store to confront the suspect. Officer Gaspar approached the suspect and identified himself as a police officer and asked the suspect to step outside. The suspect reached for a handgun tucked in the waistband of his pants as Officer Gaspar grabbed to restrain him and wrestled the suspect to the ground. While on the floor the suspect was able to retrieve the handgun and fire 3 shots at Officer Gaspar. Assisting officers managed to control the weapon after the shots were fired and arrest the suspect.
Officer Gaspar was transported to St. Francis West where he later died from his wounds.
Officer Gaspar physically restrained the suspect instead of drawing his weapon to protect others from errant gunshots. His actions protected the lives of his partners and others in the store.