A petty misdemeanor traffic case against the CrimeStoppers program's Honolulu police coordinator has been dismissed by an O'ahu district court judge.

The judge on Wednesday dismissed with prejudice the single count of leaving the scene of an accident, meaning the charge cannot be re-filed, said Richard N. Wurdeman, attorney for police Sgt. Kim Capllonch.

Officials took Capllonch's gun and badge on Oct. 6 after she was cited in connection with a Sept. 23 collision with a Dodge Neon that occurred behind HPD's Alapa'i Street headquarters.

Capllonch declined comment when reached by phone yesterday.

"Obviously, there was no merit to the case and when the incident did occur there was no knowledge whatsoever on her part. It was properly dismissed," Wurdeman said. "This matter should have never gone through the court system. She's a consummate professional and she's looking forward to going back to her duties as the CrimeStoppers detective and serving the public in that capacity."

Jim Fulton, spokesman for the city prosecutor's office, said, "After further review of the case and interviewing the witnesses, the case was dismissed because the state could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial."

According to police and Wurdeman, Capllonch did not know she hit the other vehicle as she turned left onto King Street after exiting HPD's lot.

Capllonch discovered a small scratch on the front bumper of her sport utility vehicle after returning from lunch and immediately reported it to her captain, Wurdeman said.

At the time of the collision, Capllonch had three passengers in her vehicle, and none of them said they thought she had hit anyone, he said.

Capt. Frank Fujii, police spokesman, said it is department policy not to comment on the adjudication of criminal matters against officers while internal, administrative investigations are still pending.

Fujii declined to discuss details of the administrative investigation into the collision other than to say it is open and ongoing.

Chief Boisse Correa is on vacation and unavailable for comment.

Capllonch has provided the department with proof that the citation was dismissed, police said. Once police officials approve the necessary paperwork, it will be a "matter of days" until Capllonch's badge and gun are returned to her, police said.

Delaying matters is the fact that Capllonch is on vacation and not set to return to work until next week, police said.

CrimeStoppers is a nonprofit organization that has an operating agreement with the police department.

About 30 volunteers take phone tips on crimes from the public. People who provide tips are offered anonymity and a possible cash reward in exchange for viable information about a case.

The traffic citation issued to Capllonch could have resulted in a fine of up to $200 and 10 days in jail.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.