A man is dead and another arrested after an alleged drunken driving accident after 12:41 Monday.
A man is dead and another arrested after an alleged drunken driving accident after 12:41 Monday.
Justin Rohan, 26, of Kailua-Kona, was allegedly driving a green 2007 Ford pickup truck west on Kaiminani while intoxicated, police said.
He crossed the center line as he went toward the Laui Street intersection, police said, and crashed head-on into a 2003 Nissan SUV being driven by Robert N. Weinstock, 52, of Kailua-Kona.
Both drivers were taken to Kona Community Hospital, where Weinstock was officially pronounced dead at 1:29 a.m. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death, police said.
Rohan was released from police custody, pending investigation, while receiving treatment at the hospital.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit started a negligent homicide investigation and asked people who witnessed the crash to call Officer Justin Hooser or Sgt. Bradley Freitas at 326-4646, ext. 229.
People who want to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
As part of the investigation the road was closed from the time of the call until after noon. Officers examined the area with survey equipment and other specialized equipment for hours.
This is the 14th traffic-related fatality this year, versus the eight counted this time last year.