A Kona man is in police custody accused of auto theft and other offenses.
A Kona man is in police custody accused of auto theft and other offenses.
Matthew Guba, 28, of Kailua-Kona was charged Monday with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, resisting an order to stop, driving without a license and reckless driving. His bail was set at $13,000. He remains at the Kona cellblock pending his initial court appearance scheduled for today. Police had arrested Guba on Saturday in Kailua-Kona.
Police said an officer Wednesday saw Guba, a man the officer believed didn’t have a valid driver’s license, driving a sedan and attempted to pull him over.
Police said Guba sped away, recklessly passing other motorists. The officer discontinued the pursuit for the safety of the public but continued to search for the vehicle and was able to locate it within a few minutes at the intersection of Kiloa Road and Kinue Road in Captain Cook. It was stopped and unoccupied, with the driver’s door ajar and the engine idling. The car had been reported stolen earlier that afternoon. Police issued an all-points bulletin for Guba, who they believed was the driver.
Police added that West Hawaii has experienced a rash of unrelated vehicle thefts with six reported in the last two weeks. The vehicles being targeted are early model Honda sedans and Toyota Tacomas. The area has also experienced an increase in unauthorized entries into motor vehicles.
Police urge the public to safeguard their vehicles by locking them and not leaving valuables inside.