A 37-year-old Waialua man released from custody today is still considered to be the prime suspect in a fatal hit-and-run collision July 22 in Wahiawa, according to authorities.

Arnel Ulep Abuluyan, the Abbey Carpet & Floors installer arrested at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at his home, was released pending further investigation for negligent homicide and failure to render aid after being at the main police station cellblock for about 46 hours. By law, a suspect can be held for 48 hours but must be released at the end of the period if not charged.

Vehicular homicide investigations are detailed and difficult to complete for charges within a two-day period. Suspects are usually indicted at a later date.

Speaking in general terms and not specifically of the Wahiawa case involving the death of 18-year-old David Wayne Aldridge II, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Peter Carlisle said, "The investigation has to progress to the point where a conclusive decision can be made that one, a crime was committed, and two, that the (person charged) is the one who committed the crime. And there is sufficient evidence to prove these things before a grand jury or judge at a preliminary hearing."

A tip led to Saturday's arrest of Abuluyan and the seizure of a white Abbey Carpet & Floors GMC Savana van with front-end damage from Kuroda Auto Body in Waipi'o, police said. The Savannah is manufactured in different configurations — vans, cargo trucks and utility vehicles, among them — but the cab and chasis are the same for all.

The Abbey van currently being processed for forensic evidence has damage consistent with parts recovered on Kamehameha Highway, six-tenths mile north of Nui Avenue near Dole Plantation, where Aldridge was struck while riding a bicycle on a paved shoulder by a vehicle headed toward Hale'iwa, according to authorities. The case was reported at 1:35 a.m.

The initial description of the suspect vehicle, which authorities now believe wasn't involved, was provided by a security guard at Dole Plantation, who heard a "bang" and reportedly saw a red-colored flat-bed truck headed north when he went to investigate, police said. The time frame between when the "bang" heard and the vehicle is uncertain, police said.

With no witnesses to the actual collision, police considered the red truck as a possible suspect vehicle and issued a Honolulu CrimeStoppers bulletin seeking public assistance. Based on parts evidence recovered, investigators determined the flat-bed truck was likely a 2006 Chevrolet Express Cutaway or a 2006 GMC Savana Cutaway.

Police have questioned Abbey Carpet & Floors officials about the van seized Saturday.

Roy Tokuhama, owner of the Waiau-based company, and manager Natalie Okouchi said the company called police on July 22 to report one of their vehicles was damaged in an accident. A police report was filed, according to Okouchi.

Police have record that a 911 call was made and a beat officer sent to Abbey Carpet but no written report. The officer checked to see if there were any red-flagged cases in which the van could be a suspect vehicle. His check came back negative.