Police arrested a 27-year-old man who was involved in a scuffle with a DFS Galleria Waikiki security officer who died shortly afterward.

DFS Galleria Waikiki spokeswoman Sharon Weiner identified the security officer as Frank Rodrigues, a 18-year employee with the company.

“;We are all very sad,”; she said. “;He was a great guy and well liked by everybody here. We will all miss him, and our hearts go out to his family for sure.”;

Police said that before 9:10 a.m. yesterday, security officers confronted the 27-year-old man at DFS, at 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave., about a theft case established the previous day.

A struggle ensued, and the man, who has no local address, assaulted one of the security officers, police said. After officers gained control of the suspect, Rodrigues sat on the side to rest and became unresponsive, police said.

Lt. Damaine Hasegawa of the Waikiki district said it was unclear whether the struggle caused Rodrigues' death.

“;This could be medically related,”; she said.

  Waikiki Security Guard Death Investigation Continues

 

Police have not yet declared this case a possible homicide.

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Police opened a third-degree assault case in connection with the alleged assault on the first security officer, a second-degree theft case and an unattended-death case in connection with Rodrigues' death.

Honolulu police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said the suspect was arrested and taken to the hospital in unknown condition.

Further charges will depend on the outcome of an autopsy report, Yu said.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office said an autopsy on Rodrigues would be performed today.

Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, said paramedics took Rodrigues in critical condition to the hospital, where he died shortly afterward.

Area workers were surprised to hear of the death.

“;It's sad,”; said Yuka Striker, who works at Marqet across the street.