Puna man charged after stolen truck crashes during police pursuit

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Puna man has been charged in connection with the theft of a Toyota Tacoma from Prince Kuhio Plaza.

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Prosecutors said the truck was reported stolen Oct. 19.

Later that day, officers spotted the Tacoma traveling at a high rate of speed on Government Beach Road.

Police said the driver refused to stop, continued speeding and eventually veered off the road before hitting a telephone pole.

The driver, identified as 65-year-old Arthur Clayton Jr., allegedly ran from the truck but was apprehended a short time later.

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Clayton is charged with first-degree theft, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, driving without a license and reckless driving.

His request for supervised release was denied Wednesday, and bail was maintained at $72,000.

Clayton is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Oct. 23.

The charges are allegations, and Clayton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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