LIHU‘E — An inmate at Kaua‘i Community Corrections Center (KCCC) suffered serious injuries after a hit-and-run occurred shortly after he escaped from the facility on Friday morning.
LIHU‘E — An inmate at Kaua‘i Community Corrections Center (KCCC) suffered serious injuries after a hit-and-run occurred shortly after he escaped from the facility on Friday morning.
Matthew J. Ornellas Jr., 33, vacated the corrections center at approximately 1 a.m., the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) said.
“As he was running northbound in the southbound land of Kuhio Highway, he was struck by a southbound vehicle,” the KPD said. “The driver of the vehicle fled the scene prior to the arrival of first responders. Witnesses described the vehicle as dark colored, but were unable to identify the make or model.”
Ornellas was later transported to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihu‘e where he was listed in serious condition.
The incident closed Kuhio Highway, in both directions, for approximately one hour while the KPD’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation.
Authorities are seeking information from drivers, who were on Kuhio Highway in the vicinity of KCCC between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call 808-241-1616. People who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 808-246-8300.
