Posted on: Thursday, August 2, 2001

Teen dies in crash during police chase

Advertiser Staff

A teenager who stole a car and engaged police in a high-speed chase down Kamehameha Highway yesterday died after crashing into a light pole.

The driver, who has not been identified, was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Police said a woman called them at midnight to report that her white 1992 Honda Civic hatchback was stolen from her Waipio townhouse complex on Pa'aono Street.

About five minutes later, a police officer spotted the car on Kamehameha Highway and called another officer for assistance.

With sirens and lights, they chased the car until it turned left onto Lumiaina Street.

The officers slowed as they turned onto Lumiaina, and, moments later, the teen crashed into a light pole and traffic signal pole, police said.

Police closed Lumiaina Street near Waikele shopping center for about six hours.

The crash is under investigation.

Police would not say how fast police and the stolen car were traveling during the pursuit, the duration of the pursuit or whether the pursuit had been called off by the time of the crash.

They also did not indicate whether alcohol or drugs were involved.

The 50-year-old and 29-year-old officers have been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete, said Police Chief Lee Donohue.

"I'm confident that the officers followed all policies and procedures," said Donohue. "This was a tragic and senseless act that could have been avoided.

"I'm concerned about the total traffic picture on O'ahu ... everyone has to understand their responsibility for driving safely."

This was O'ahu's 42nd traffic fatality this year. There were 39 traffic fatalities at the same time last year.