Man arrested for extorting tourists

KAPA‘A — Police arrested 26-year-old Jesse Adams on Monday after learning that someone stole a wallet, a cell phone and other belongings from a rental car, then extorted money from the owners of the stolen goods.

On Sunday morning, the culprit broke into a four-door Chevrolet Cavalier rented by three tourists — two men and a woman from O‘ahu — at Kipu Falls. He stole a wallet containing cash and credit cards, digital cameras, clothing and the cell phone belonging to one of the tourists, a county press release states.

Then, at about 7 p.m. Monday, one of the men began receiving text messages from the stolen cell phone stating that the group could retrieve their stolen property in exchange for $100. Information as to how the thief knew who to text was unavailable at press time.

Police were notified of the texts at about 7:45 p.m. and worked with the three people to make contact with a suspect.

A plainclothes detective accompanied one of the men to Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use path, fronting Pono Kai Resort, under the guise that he would agree to the exchange. The detective identified himself once a deal was struck. The man attempted to run, but the detective apprehended him after a brief struggle, the release states.

 Adams, no address available, was arrested on first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, first-degree extortion, unauthorized possession of personal confidential information, theft of a credit card and second-degree assault of a police officer. He remains in police cellblock in lieu of $11,200 bail.

During the struggle, the arresting officer hurt his knee, elbow and foot. He received medical care at Wilcox Memorial Hospital and was later released.

Police were able to return most of the stolen items to the owners, the press release states. The investigation is ongoing.

• Jessica Musicar, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by e-mailing jmusicar@thegardenisland.com.