Escaped Big Isle inmates sought
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Big Island police and state sheriffs continued to search last night for three men who escaped from the Hawai'i Community Correctional Center in Hilo Sunday night.
Police said the men should be considered dangerous and should not be approached.
The escapees are:
The three were last seen at 8:11 p.m. Sunday during a check by HCCC personnel. But three hours later they were gone.
Mike Gaede, Department of Public Safety spokesman, said the inmates jimmied a metal security screen over a window and squeezed out. They then made it to the ground about 30 feet below and fled, he said.
Once out of the Punahele Street facility, police believe the three may have fled toward Waianuenue Avenue, police said.
Gaede disputed a police account that the inmates tied bedsheets together and lowered themselves to the ground.
"Our investigation doesn't show that," Gaede said.
"You're not supposed to be able to get out these windows," Gaede said. As part of their investigation, Public Safety officials will look at procedures at the facility, as well as inspect all the windows, he said.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Detective Juergen Canda at (808) 961-2381 or (808) 935-3311, or CrimeStoppers in Hilo at (808) 961-8300 or in Kona at (808) 329-8181.
Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.
