A 43-year-old Volcano man was arrested after allegedly leading officers on a high-speed chase in Hilo on the Fourth of July in a stolen Jeep.
Rodley Jordan Ford was arrested without incident while on foot on Kekela Street in the Kanoelehua Industrial Area after having ditched the vehicle, according to court documents filed by police.
Police say Ford’s driving caused numerous complaint calls to 911, including that he was driving in the wrong lane against traffic on Kanoelehua Avenue, swerving through traffic, passing on the right-hand shoulder, driving partially on the sidewalk and sideswiping another vehicle at the corner of Kanoelehua and Puainako Street, then leaving the scene of an accident.
The Jeep also was reportedly spotted swerving in and out of traffic at high speed on Kalanianaole Street in Keaukaha.
Police also allege that Ford led officers on a chase the previous day in the same area, but that pursuit was terminated in the interest of public safety.
A check of the Jeep showed that it was supposed to be red instead of spray-painted silver, and had been reported stolen, according to the documents. A club with inch-long metal spikes was allegedly found in the cab of the Jeep, within the driver’s reach.
Ford allegedly appeared lethargic and unable or unwilling to open his eyes. He reportedly refused to undergo standard field sobriety tests and requested a lawyer when officers attempted to question him.
Ford was charged with first-degree theft, unauthorized control of a stolen vehicle, habitual property crime, possession of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime, failure to provide information or render aid after a collision, two counts each of reckless driving, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, first-degree criminal property damage and resisting an order to stop, and three counts of driving without a license.
The most serious charges, first-degree criminal property damage, is a Class B felony that carries a potential 10-year prison term upon conviction.
According to documents, Ford has seven prior felony convictions, and bail was set at $296,000.
In his initial court appearance Monday, Hilo District Judge Jeffrey Hawk maintained Ford’s bail at the same amount and ordered him to appear for a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. today.
Ford remained in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.