LIHU‘E — Michael Cole, 29, of Kapa‘a, had a very bad day Friday. First, yoga students, unafraid of the machete he was carrying, tackled him in a Kalaheo yoga studio, thwarting his alleged attempt to snatch a purse. Then, after
LIHU‘E — Michael Cole, 29, of Kapa‘a, had a very bad day Friday.
First, yoga students, unafraid of the machete he was carrying, tackled him in a Kalaheo yoga studio, thwarting his alleged attempt to snatch a purse.
Then, after fleeing from the scene and police, hitting several vehicles and street signs, he ended up being the star of street theater for patrons at Olympic Cafe in Kapa‘a enjoying a late, birthday-celebration breakfast.
Eyewitnesses said they saw seven Kaua‘i Police Department vehicles finally corner Cole, with many of the officers with shotguns drawn and aimed, while the arresting officers accidentally pulled down Cole’s pants as they cuffed him.
Cole was arrested on first-degree robbery charges Friday morning following a police pursuit that started in Kalaheo and ended in Kapa‘a, according to a county news release.
He was being held in the KPD cellblock.
According to police, Cole entered a Kalaheo yoga studio with a machete in his hand at around 9:20 a.m. He was wearing sunglasses and his face was covered with rags.
Cole grabbed a purse in the studio and attempted to leave, but several people in a yoga class tackled him and retrieved the purse.
Leaving the purse behind, Cole exited the building, got into his vehicle and proceeded eastbound on Kaumuali‘i Highway.
Police gave chase and, along the way, Cole collided with street signs and several vehicles.
Cole finally came to a stop in Kapa‘a.
Police are continuing their investigation.
