Posted on: Saturday, January 29, 2005
Search launched for Big Isle inmate
By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau
HILO, Hawai'i — A shackled Hawai'i Community Correctional Center inmate distracted jail guards and dived through the open window of a waiting car in the parking lot of a Hilo medical clinic yesterday.
Police said escapee Winston Hoapili, 31, has a history of violence and was awaiting trial on car theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft and two counts of promoting a detrimental drug. His bail had been set at $101,225.
State Department of Public Safety spokesman Michael Gaede said in a written statement that Hoapili, escorted by two armed corrections officers, was on his way to a doctor's appointment at the Ponahawai Medical Clinic a few blocks from the jail.
Police said a female apparently was waiting in the Nissan when Hoapili jumped in the car at around 12:45 p.m. Corrections officers reported the license number, launching a manhunt.
Gaede said Hoapili is Caucasian, 5 feet 11, 170 pounds, and has brown eyes and hair. He was last seen in a brown HCCC jumpsuit.
Hoapili has a green tattoo of a dragon and wizard that covers his right arm. His left arm is covered with a green tattoo of a spider web, a woman, a prison tower and faces. On his back is a 30-inch tattoo of a woman, and on his lower left leg is a 16-inch tattoo of a devil's face.
Authorities warned the public not to approach Hoapili if spotted, as he may be armed.
Anyone who witnessed the escape or knows of Hoapili's whereabouts should call Detective Richard Sherlock at (808) 961-2379, the police nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311, or CrimeStoppers in Hilo at (808) 961-8300 or in Kona at (808) 329-8181.
Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 935-3916.
A state corrections officer fired a single shot at the tires of the getaway car, a white Nissan that was last seen headed north on Komohana Street, officials said. No one was injured.
Winston Hoapili
