Ongoing Police Investigation Update in Wailuku

ONGOING POLICE INVESTIGATION UPDATE (07/17/26 4:40 P.M.)

On Friday, July 17, 2026, at approximately 5:04 a.m., officers responded to 2080 Vineyard Street in Wailuku for a report of a burglary in progress. The suspect, a 43-year-old Pukalani male*, had allegedly forced entry through an exterior door and was kicking interior doors inside the building.

Upon arrival, officers located the male on the sidewalk outside the building. During the encounter, the male allegedly threatened to kill the responding officers.

At approximately 5:24 a.m., the male entered his nearby vehicle, and made a U-turn and drove onto the sidewalk toward the officers before fleeing westbound on Vineyard Street toward North Market Street, continuing at least as far as Central Avenue at a high rate of speed.

Approximately one minute later, the male returned on Vineyard Street at a high rate of speed toward the officers before driving away. The male continued onto High Street, where he lost control of the vehicle, striking a light pole before crashing into the loading area of a building located at the intersection of Main Street and South High Street.

Before officers reached the crash scene, the male fled on foot toward Main Street. A witness reported seeing him run in the direction of ʻĪao Valley. Officers subsequently located the male hiding on the Main Street side of the building located at the intersection of Main Street and South High Street.

As officers attempted to take the male into custody, he allegedly assaulted one officer and actively resisted arrest. Responding officers brought the male to the ground, where he continued to resist by kicking at officers. During the struggle, officers deployed a Taser to gain control of the male.

Three officers sustained injuries during the incident. One officer was bitten on the wrist, another suffered strained ligaments in a hand, and a third sustained minor abrasions. All injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

The male was treated at the scene for injuries sustained during the altercation and remains in police custody pending the continuation of the investigation and the review of applicable charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.

*Please note: Mug shots, names, and other identifying details are no longer routinely released because the 9th Circuit ruled that once online, the information remains public indefinitely, even if charges are dropped or the person is found not guilty. However, exceptions exist when public safety or crime prevention justifies the release, such as warning the public about dangerous fugitives.

The Maui Police Department appreciates the public's patience and understanding as we conducted our investigation and ensured that involved personnel received appropriate medical attention. We are grateful that no other individuals were injured during this incident.