Art gallery complaint
alleges cop errorThe Maui case deals with the
removal of pieces worth $10,000
WAILUKU >> Maui police officials are conducting an internal investigation into an alleged theft from an art gallery that took place in the presence of a police officer.
Doyle LaCount, president of Elizabeth Doyle gallery at the Shops at Wailea, said an artist and his wife came with the police officer to the gallery at about 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 7.
LaCount said his business had asked the artist to remove some of his work, but the artist began to remove works that did not belong to him.
LaCount said the police officer did not identify himself and declined to check paperwork to make sure the works belonged to the artist, even after a request was made by Elizabeth Doyle officials.
"They were taking things with no authorization," LaCount said. "The police (officer) was supposed to moderate things."
LaCount said after the items, worth $10,000, were taken, a police sergeant refused to allow Elizabeth Doyle officials to file a theft complaint.
LaCount said the theft was recorded on videotape and has been shown to supervising police officers.
Deputy Police Chief Kekuhaupio Akana said the complaint has been sent to internal affairs.
"From what I understand, we may have erred," Akana said.
Akana said the incident seems more a civil than criminal matter, and police have no power to seize back what was taken.