The Maui News

A woman driving the wrong way down Haleakala Highway was arrested for habitually driving under the influence of an intoxicant after a DUI Task Force officer intercepted the vehicle early Saturday, police said.

Dekla Helgenberger, 57, of Waiehu was charged with habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, having an open liquor container while operating a vehicle, reckless driving and driving without a valid driver’s license.

Police dispatch received a call just after 1 a.m. Saturday about the vehicle going the wrong way down the highway. At the time, police traffic officers were less than 2 miles away conducting an intoxication control checkpoint that happened to be in the direct path of the wrong-way driver, police said.

DUI Task Force officer Caleb Guarriello, who was among officers working at the checkpoint, “immediately sprang into action to intercept this vehicle before it could crash into another vehicle or collide into the checkpoint,” police said in a news release.

Guarriello activated the emergency blue lights and siren on his police vehicle to warn other motorists and stop the wrong-way driver, police said.

“Officer Guarriello came face to face with the wrong-way vehicle on Haleakala Highway near North Firebreak Road, where he was able to stop the wrong-way driver,” police said.

Helgenberger was arrested at 1:24 a.m. Saturday. Later that afternoon, she was released from police custody after posting $5,600 bail.

The felony habitual DUI charge can be brought against someone arrested for DUI after two prior convictions within 10 years. According to court records, Helgenberger has prior DUI convictions in 2016 and 2014.

“We would like to remind our community of some ways they can help keep themselves and their families safe,” said DUI Task Force Sgt. Nick Krau. “Whenever possible and safe to do so, travel in the right-most lane when driving on roads with two or more lanes. An intoxicated wrong-way driver will typically travel in your left-most lane, as they believe they are traveling in their proper lane. Always wear your seat belt and make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained. Buckling up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, and it is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.”

Krau asked for anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver to immediately contact police.

“It is our job to protect our community, and we take this responsibility seriously,” Krau said.