Posted on: Friday, October 15, 2004
POLICE BEAT
Maui cable theft suspect burned
Advertiser Staff
A Lahaina man who nearly killed himself Tuesday night while trying to steal a copper cable from a Maui Electric Co. distribution system was recovering at a Honolulu hospital, Maui police said.
The man arrived at Straub Clinic & Hospital in critical condition with third-degree burns to his upper body.
The suspect, whose actions knocked out power to 1,600 homes and businesses in West Maui for about an hour, crawled to a service station after he was burned, police said.
"When an officer arrived at the station, he noticed ... the man's upper torso was burned and his hair was singed," Capt. Charles Hirata said.
The suspect allegedly crawled through a tunnel to an underground junction box where he attempted to cut through a cable that was a 12,000-volt distribution line, Maui Electric manager Mike Ribao said.
"Potentially, the person saw only a little over 7,000 volts, which is still a hell of a lot more than you would find at home," he said.
The suspect got through the outer layer of insulation when he was burned.
"The guy started to cut through the cable, but he didn't get through," Ribao said.
"All he did was break through the outer jacket. That's all it took.
"He can count his blessings that he's still alive."
Attempt to cash check thwarted
A 21-year-old woman was arrested at about 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Central Pacific Bank branch on Kaheka Street after trying to cash a stolen check, police said.
A patrol officer responded to a call from the bank and arrested the woman on suspicion of second-degree forgery.
Maui escapee seized in home
KAHULUI, Maui — A prisoner who cut through a perimeter fence to escape from the Maui Community Correctional Center Wednesday night was captured yesterday morning while hiding at a Kahului residence.
State Department of Public Safety deputy sheriffs attached to the U.S. Marshal's Task Force on Maui, with help from police, apprehended 29-year-old Dwayne K. Varner at about 11 a.m. at a home on South Kamehameha Avenue. Officials said the escapee was hiding in an attic and refused to come out.
Varner's girlfriend was arrested for hindering the capture.
Varner was sentenced in 1994 for first-degree robbery and manslaughter, and had been participating in a work furlough program, officials said.
Burglary suspect may be dangerous
Police are asking for the public's help in finding Richard Pauline, who is wanted for probation revocation and contempt of court warrants.
Pauline also is wanted for questioning in connection with a Pearl Harbor burglary on Peltier Avenue in September. Police said he is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300, *CRIME on cellular phones.
Pauline was convicted of felony terroristic threatening after he brandished a knife while stealing items from a boat at Wai'anae Boat Harbor in July 2002. He is believed to be living in the viaduct area near the airport.
Richard Pauline
