By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau
HILO, Hawai‘i — A Puna man was in custody yesterday after an early morning wreck in which his vehicle landed on a police patrol car in downtown Hilo.
The 32-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and various firearms and drug charges. Police said they found a handgun, crystal methamphetamine and a smoking pipe inside the vehicle.
The man is expected to be charged today in connection with the 2:26 a.m. crash.
Police said the four-wheel drive Toyota with oversized wheels sped toward Hilo patrolman Jason Grouns near the Hilo Hele-On bus terminal and Cafe Pesto.
"The vehicle climbed the curb of the bus terminal and sidewalk, crossed the Hamakua-bound lanes of Kamehameha Avenue, ran over the median strip, crossed the Keaukaha-bound lanes of Kamehameha and struck the police car head-on, stopping atop the car with officer Grouns inside," Lt. Derek Pacheco said.
Grouns was not injured, but his patrol car was heavily damaged.
A four-wheel-drive Toyota earlier had been reported trying to run cars off the road in the area. Police asked anyone with information to call Detective Richard Miyamoto at 961-2379, or the incoming police line at 935-3311.
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