A Big Island theft investigation ended with a police officer fatally shooting a 31-year-old suspect, and the department says the officer had no other option.

• Officers tracked the suspect, who ran into a lava field before one officer caught up with him.
• A taser failed to stop him, and he began throwing large lava rocks at the officer.
• One rock hit the officer in the forearm, and the officer fired twice.
• The county police chief says a thrown rock can kill, so no alternative was available.
• The officer, who has been with the department under a year, was treated for his injuries and placed on leave.

Outlook: Two investigations are underway and will determine whether the shooting was justified.