Puna man facing car theft, assault charges

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A 30-year-old Kurtistown man is facing theft and assault charges in connection with a reported car theft in Puna.

A 30-year-old Kurtistown man is facing theft and assault charges in connection with a reported car theft in Puna.

Claude Keone Krause was charged Tuesday with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, resisting arrest and first-degree assault against a law enforcement officer, according to the Hawaii Police Department. His bail was set at $22,000.

The charges stem from Aug. 17 when a vehicle that was reported stolen from a Kurtistown home was observed, according to police. The vehicle was recovered, however, the driver fled before officers arrived.

Krause was subsequently identified as the driver, according to police.

On Monday, officers conducting checks at a Huina Road home in Kurtistown observed Krause, according to police. Following a short foot pursuit, officers apprehended him.

However, during the arrest, a 41-year-old Puna patrol officer suffered minor injuries after Krause allegedly assaulted the officer and resisted arrest, according to police. The officer was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and released.