Hit-and-Run Suspect Sought After Escapee Found Injured on Kaua‘i Highway

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Hawaii jail escape
2. Man struck by car incident

Authorities in Hawaii are searching for a hit-and-run suspect after an inmate, Matthew Ornellas, Jr., escaped from a prison and was found injured on a roadway. The incident occurred near the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center, where Ornellas escaped around 1 a.m. Correctional officers quickly located him, but witnesses reported a vehicle hitting Ornellas and driving away. The vehicle, described as dark in color, was last seen heading towards Līhuʻe. Ornellas was taken to Wilcox Medical Center in serious condition. An investigation into the escape and hit-and-run has been launched, and anyone with information is urged to contact Kaua‘i Police.

Escape and Hit-and-Run Incident in Lihue, Hawaii

In a recent incident in Lihue, Hawaii, authorities are on the lookout for a hit-and-run suspect after a man who had escaped from the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center was found on a roadway with serious injuries. The escapee, identified as Matthew Ornellas, Jr., 33, managed to flee the facility in the early hours of Friday morning, only to be discovered injured not far from the prison.

Details of the Incident

Matthew Ornellas, Jr., made his daring escape from the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center around 1 a.m. on Friday. Within a short span of time, correctional officers located Ornellas, who was found injured approximately 100 yards northeast of the facility on Kūhiō Highway. Witnesses reported that a vehicle travelling southbound had struck Ornellas and then fled the scene. The vehicle, described as dark in color, was last seen heading towards Līhuʻe before making a U-turn towards Kapaʻa.

Current Condition of the Inmate

Following the hit-and-run incident, Ornellas was promptly transported by ambulance to Wilcox Medical Center, where he is currently in serious condition. Kaua‘i Police have launched an investigation into the alleged escape and have filed a report on the hit-and-run incident.

Appeal for Information

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. Officer Henshaw can be reached at (808) 241-1616 for those willing to provide information. Additionally, individuals who wish to remain anonymous can contact (808) 246-8300 or submit a tip on the Crime Stoppers Kauai website.

As the search for the hit-and-run suspect continues, the community in Lihue, Hawaii, remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to this unsettling turn of events.