06-04-18 Man arrested for speeding through checkpoint

Hawaiʻi Police Department                       
349 Kapiolani Street                                                                              
Captain Samuel Jelsma                                            
Phone: (808) 965-2716
Report No. C18015543

 

 

 

   Media Release                                                                      

Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested a motorist after he disregarded and sped through a traffic control checkpoint on Government Beach Road just north of the intersection with Hwy. 132 as an active lava flow approached.

The suspect is identified as an Allan Bartels, a 62-year-old male with a residence in Kapoho.

On Saturday, (June 2), at approximately 8:30 a.m., a male party drove up to a police checkpoint on Government Beach Road, (Highway 137),  just north of Highway 132, “Four Corners” intersection. Upon being contacted by officers and informed that the road was closed and he could not enter the area, he disregarded the officer’s commands and sped through the checkpoint at a high rate of speed.

Officers pursued the man’s van with flashing lights and siren in an attempt to stop it, however, he continued south approaching two County workers who were standing on the road attempting to flag the van down. The driver was observed to shake his head and continue toward them causing the County worker to jump off the road to avoid being struck.

Officers pursued the suspect to a residence located just above Government Beach Road and arrested him; they then expedited their way back out of the area through the “Four Corner” intersection area as the lava flow was within 50-100 feet from crossing onto the roadway and cutting off an exit route. 

The suspect was later charged with Refusing to Evacuate, Obstructing Government Operations, Resisting Order to Stop Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and two counts of Reckless Endangering in the 2nd degree. He was unable to post his $3,750 bail and remains confined at the detention center in Hilo.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident are asked to call Officer Duane Rapoza of the Puna District at (808) 965-2716 or the police non-emergency telephone number (808) 935-3311.

 

 


This entry was posted in Media Releases. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.
  • Keep your community safe through Crime Stoppers

    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

    The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV.