POLICE BEAT
Couple caught hiding with children in barn
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
A man and woman who were wanted after they failed to turn their children over to state social workers were arrested hiding in a Waimanalo chicken barn.
The man, 30, and woman, 27, were arrested shortly after noon on Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree custodial interference and contempt of court warrants. They were released later without charges pending further investigation.
Police were notified in May by state social workers that the couple failed to comply with a court order to turn their children, ages 3 and 7, over to state Child Welfare Services. Officials had arranged for the transfer of the children, but the parents did not show up, police said.
State officials said they believed the couple went into hiding and were not answering their phone or returning phone calls.
Acting on a tip, police went to a chicken farm in Waimanalo and found the family hiding in a barn. Police said the barn was filled with chickens and the family was living in a small area in the structure.
Friends had allowed the family to live in the barn and were unaware that the couple was wanted, police said. The parents were arrested without incident and the children were placed in the custody of Child Welfare Services.
Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.
