WAILUKU - A Molokai man who had overcome his drug addiction and done "remarkably well" before his arrest for assaulting another man last year was given another chance on probation.
Solomon Kawika Blevins, 32, said he would "try my best" as he was released from jail Wednesday after more than eight months.
"I appreciate this chance, going try even harder," Blevins said in court.
Second Circuit Judge Rhonda Loo told Blevins that he had to do more than try. "You have to succeed," she said. "Because if you do not succeed, you are going to prison."
He had pleaded no contest to second-degree escape, third-degree assault, second-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree unlawful imprisonment and interfering with reporting of an emergency.
Blevins was arrested Oct. 5 after police said that he went to a man's house at Mapulehu Mango Patch and accused the man of having an affair with his girlfriend. The victim reported being punched in the face and struck with a suitcase and a vacuum cleaner before being told to go into the bathroom when police arrived in the area. The victim managed to leave the bathroom and run to a neighbor's house for help.
Blevins was arrested and taken to the Molokai Police Station. He managed to slip his handcuffs from behind his back to the front of his body along the way, police said. When the door of the police car was opened at the station, Blevins ran and was apprehended after a short chase, police said.
In court Wednesday, defense attorney Andrew Martin said Blevins' parole officer and others had noticed his "remarkable progress" before the arrest.
Blevins had burglary and theft charges dismissed when he graduated in January 2011 from the Maui Drug Court program of treatment and supervision.
"He had done remarkably well, not just progressing but succeeding," Martin said. "He was able to successfully overcome his addiction."
According to court records, Blevins has prior convictions for first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, first-degree burglary, second-degree robbery, second-degree assault, first-degree terroristic threatening and second-degree theft.
Martin said Blevins was grateful for the plea agreement, with the prosecution recommending five years' probation, noting that he and his girlfriend have three young children.
"He's anxious to begin living his life again, not only for him but for them," Martin said.
* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.
