The man accused of drug dealing, fleeing authorities, hitting a police car and driving toward pedestrians on the beach faces 14 charges, officials said yesterday. The charges stem from several incidents, beginning with a chase that began when police tried
The man accused of drug dealing, fleeing authorities, hitting a police car and driving toward pedestrians on the beach faces 14 charges, officials said yesterday.
The charges stem from several incidents, beginning with a chase that began when police tried to pull him over in a routine traffic stop earlier this month, during which he was allegedly driving between 40 and 60 mph, police said.
Keith Keone Kiilau, 29, of Hanama‘ulu, allegedly refused to stop his car when police noticed his safety and tax information was expired.
Instead, Kiilau allegedly “drove recklessly” on Marine Camp Beach and almost hit residents who were having a party, said Kaua‘i Police Department Lt. Daniel Fort.
As he was fleeing, Kiilau hit a patrol vehicle, according to police reports. KPD then issued a “be on the lookout” alert — called a BOLO in police parlance — for Kiilau and his car.
Several days later, police saw Kiilau’s car again and tried to pull him over, but he refused.
Leading officers through Hanama‘ulu and onto the cane haul road near the Kaua‘i County Correctional Center, Kiilau escaped using his four-wheel drive.
Roughly one week later, Kiilau was spotted near Gary’s Service Inc. in Lihu‘e, and police attempted to arrest him.
Kiilau resisted and a struggle ensued, but Kiilau managed to run away, abandoning his vehicle. Inside, drugs and paraphernalia were found, according to police.
Kiilau was later arrested and charged after police responded to a family abuse call.
For his several run-ins with police, Kiilau has been charged in four cases.
The first includes the petty misdemeanor charge of harassment and the misdemeanor charge of family abuse, for which he is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. on May 1.
The second set of charges includes the petty misdemeanor charge of reckless driving, misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and second-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree criminal property damage — a Class B felony, two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening — a Class A felony, and second-degree reckless endangerment, slated to be heard in court at 8:30 a.m. Monday.
For allegedly having an intent to sell, Kiilau faces third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug charges — a class C felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia. In that case, he is scheduled to appear in court at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
• Amanda C. Gregg, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
