Kauai man who attempted
‘suicide by cop’ sentenced

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By Anthony Sommer
tsommer@starbulletin.com

LIHUE >> A 46-year-old Kalaheo man who attempted "suicide by cop" last year to end his pain from severe arthritis was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison.

Gerard Silva walked into Kauai police headquarters in Lihue on March 15, 2001, carrying a loaded gun. According to police reports, he told two women at the entrance, "Excuse me, ladies, I'm going to shoot the first (expletive) cop I see."

He then pointed the gun at a police officer, who pushed it away and subdued Silva. Silva's gun fired but no one was injured.

Silva later pleaded guilty to attempted murder. He told police he had hoped they would use "deadly force" to stop him because he was in so much pain from severe arthritis.

At yesterday's sentencing, Circuit Judge Clifford Nakea said he was faced with a choice of giving Silva 20 years in prison or probation.

"If I was to give you probation, I would reduce the seriousness of your offense," Nakea.

But the judge added that if parole officials decide Silva is not a threat to society, he could be released at his first parole hearing.