Puna Resident Faces Charges After Stolen Truck Crashes During Police Chase

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – Authorities have charged a man from Puna in connection with the theft of a Toyota Tacoma that was taken from Prince Kuhio Plaza. The pickup truck was reported stolen on October 19.

Later that same day, officers observed the Tacoma speeding on Government Beach Road. According to police, the driver did not stop when signaled and continued at a high rate of speed until losing control and crashing into a telephone pole. The individual, identified as 65-year-old Arthur Clayton Jr., allegedly fled the scene but was captured shortly thereafter. He faces charges including first-degree theft, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, driving without a license, and reckless driving. Clayton’s request for supervised release was denied on Wednesday, and his bail remains set at $72,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 23. The charges against him are still allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.