×

Woman accused of driving stolen SUV

County / In Brief

Bail was set at $6,000 for a woman who was arrested last week after she was seen driving a stolen vehicle that became stuck in grass and brush while driving into macadamia nut fields in Waiehu, police said.

Jaynalyn Mateaki, 22, was seen running from the vehicle before she was caught and arrested by an officer, police said.

Mateaki, who gave no local address, was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and disobedience to police officers.

Police tried to stop the Nissan Pathfinder, which had no rear bumper or license plates, after seeing it on Piihana Road in Wailuku at about 3:35 p.m. Thursday. The vehicle was on Kahekili Highway heading toward Kahakuloa when police caught up with it just past Makaala Drive.

Police said the Pathfinder began driving in the oncoming lane to overtake slower vehicles until reaching an entrance into the macadamia nut fields. When the vehicle entered the fields, it became stuck in tall thick grass and brush, police said.

An officer arrested Mateaki, who was identified as the driver, nearby after she had gotten out of the Pathfinder and started running in the fields, police said.

The red 1987 Pathfinder had been spray-painted silver, police said. It was reported stolen the afternoon of Dec. 31 from the Paia municipal parking lot on Hana Highway.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today