The man shot and killed behind Waimalu Shopping Center after he was chased by Honolulu police for a robbery yesterday was identified as Herbden Gabriel, 46, of Pearl City, who had an extensive criminal record.

An unidentified, off-duty police officer who was directing traffic as part of a special duty job near the shopping center, responded to a call for help at the mall about 3:20 p.m.

A chase ensued through the front, Kamehameha Highway side of the mall and wound up on the mauka side, where the suspect was shot.

Police said the suspect was holding a handgun and refused to drop the weapon after the officer, 50 years old and a 19-year police veteran, instructed him to do so. 

The suspect was shot at least once in the torso, taken to the hospital in critical condition and died a short time later.

Yesterday’ shooting death was the third since Feb. 22 in which a fleeing armed suspect has been killed by police. 

According to state records, Gabriel had been convicted of kidnapping, robbery and assault.