Couple arrested after stolen vehicle pursuit with shots fired

Two Hawaii Police Department officers discharged weapons Thurdsay morning after the driver of a stolen vehicle allegedly reversed toward an officer.

Around 9:15 a.m. Thursday, an officer observed an early model green Jeep that had been reported stolen on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, traveling toward Hilo, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The officer relayed the information to counterparts in South Hilo.

Police said the Jeep was stolen from a Kailua-Kona property on Wednesday and Kona police had initiated a pursuit earlier in the day after observing it in the Kona area, but terminated the pursuit after it left the district. Officers notified dispatchers that the Jeep was likely headed toward Hilo.

South Hilo patrol officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Jeep as it turned right onto Komohana Street, before turning right onto Ainaola Drive, according to police.

The Jeep eventually came to an abrupt stop in the upper Waiakea-Uka area and one officer discharged his service weapon as the Jeep reversed toward another officer approaching the rear of the Jeep, police said. A female passenger fled on foot into the pasture before being apprehended by other officers.

The Jeep continued driving up Ainaola Drive before another officer discharged a weapon toward the fleeing vehicle, which was subsequently stopped on the roadway. The driver fled on foot and ran into a nearby pasture before he was also arrested without incident.

Clyde Takeshi Talosaga Loa, 26 of Hilo is currently being held in the police cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section investigate the incident.

The female passenger, identified as 34-year-old Suiliana Tui of Hilo was also arrested for suspicion of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.

Both suspects were not injured.

Police are requesting any motorists or residents who witnessed the incident or those who may have video footage to contact the department at (808) 935-3311