Prosecutors tonight charged an auto theft suspect, who rammed one car and damaged five other vehicles yesterday in the Hawai'i Kai area while fleeing from police.

Douglas Arnold Akeo Jr., 44, who listed no permanent local address at booking, was charged at 6:30 p.m. with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, first-degree criminal property damage, third-degree promoting dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Akeo, whose criminal record includes 36 prior convictions, is being held overnight at the main police station cellblock in lieu of $75,000 bail. His initial appearance is tomorrow at District Court.

Akeo is also being held on two outstanding warrants of $300 each.

Akeo is accused of stealing a 27-year-old man's work vehicle yesterday. A friend of the complainant saw the vehicle and called police while following it to a Hawai'i Kai area shopping complex at about 11:30 a.m. The suspect attempted to drive off from the complex as police arrived and allegedly rammed a 58-year-old woman's vehicle blocking his way, causing extensive damage.

While fleeing, the suspect driver struck five other vehicles. Police followed the suspect to the Waialae-Kahala area, where he abandoned the disabled stolen vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Akeo was arrested at 12:15 p.m. fronting 4935 Kalaniana'ole Highway.