Police Beat

Advertiser Staff

School custodian attacked, robbed

Youths yesterday attacked a Waipahu Intermediate School custodian with a two-by-four, took his fanny pack and stole his truck, police said. The 50-year-old custodian suffered a cut to his head and two dislocated fingers in an attempt to block the swinging lumber. He was treated at and released from St. Francis Medical Center-West.

The custodian was checking out a vandalized car parked on campus when he was attacked about 6 a.m., police said. The assailants were described as young males, possibly teenagers. After the beating, one of the assailants drove off with the custodian's truck. With police in pursuit on Farrington Highway, the vehicle crashed into a chainlink fence on the highway median. The driver ran away.

Investigators were trying to determine if the incident was related to a robbery that took place hours earlier at the Chevron convenience store next to the school, in which some beer was taken. School principal Edward Oshiro said empty beer cans were found yesterday morning outside the school kitchen area.

Man suspected in car, gun theft

Police yesterday charged a 19-year-old man arrested Friday in Wahiawa with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which was stolen. Joseph Dela Cruz is also accused of auto theft and his total bail is $50,000.

Dela Cruz was arrested following a 2:15 p.m. traffic stop on Kilani Avenue and Mala Street when it was determined the car he was driving was stolen. A 22-year-old female passenger in the car was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of illegal drugs and later released pending investigation.