Posted on: Thursday, May 20, 2004

Crash suspect faces drug charges

Advertiser Staff

HILO, Hawai'i — The driver of a truck that hit a Kona man and his 7-year-old son as they walked along Ali'i Drive on Sunday has been charged with six drug offenses and other crimes.

West Hawai'i Ice Task Force detectives charged Roy Nelson Ledward, 45, of Holualoa, with six counts of promotion and possession of drugs, plus revocation of bail bond. The bail offense stems from an April arrest on other drug offenses related to a drug raid in Captain Cook.

He was arrested Sunday for driving under the influence of intoxicants and two counts of negligent injury after his vehicle struck Emil Spencer, 40, and his son, Kihei Spencer.

Emil Spencer remained in critical condition at The Queen's Medical Center yesterday, and his son is in fair condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Police said the boy was transferred out of the intensive care unit.

A witness who arrived just after the accident told police Ledward had tried to hide a black leather fanny pack in the bushes after the crash.

Police searched the pack and the 2003 Ford pickup Ledward was driving, and said they found small amounts of "ice," or crystal methamphetamine, nearly 8 grams of dried marijuana, a glass pipe, syringes and cigarette rolling papers.

Ledward was being held in the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $13,750 bail.

In a statement yesterday, the Spencer family expressed "appreciation for the public outpouring of support for Emil and Kihei."

A "Friends of Emil and Kihei Spencer Fund" has been established to help cover medical expenses. Contributions may be sent to any branch of American Savings Bank.