Trending
The Maui News
WAILUKU -- Bail was increased to $20,000 for a woman who was allegedly driving a stolen truck when she fled from police Monday.
Supiesi Tongi, 24, of Kihei was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to a vehicle or property, first-degree resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possessing drug paraphernalia and second-degree resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle.
During her initial appearance Wednesday afternoon in Wailuku District Court, she pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The 2012 white Toyota pickup truck was reported stolen at about 11:30 a.m. Monday in the Haiku area, according to police.
Tongi reportedly was driving at a high rate of speed twice when she fled from police, said Deputy Prosecutor Brant Yoshimoto. He said she was driving the stolen vehicle with drugs inside.
Police records show Tongi was arrested at 2:22 p.m. Monday. Police reported finding Tongi with methamphetamine and a smoking pipe.
Her criminal record includes 27 convictions for contempt of court and one for failure to appear, Yoshimoto said. In addition, he said Tongi is awaiting trial on charges similar to the ones in her latest arrest. She also is pending screening of charges for burglary and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, Yoshimoto said.
While the prosecution sought the increased bail, Tongi asked to have her bail lowered from $12,000.
Tongi is a lifelong Maui resident whose 12 siblings and parents live in Kihei, said Deputy Public Defender David Pullman.
Referring to the pending cases, Judge Keith Tanaka said, "I'm concerned about the protection of the community."
He increased Tongi's bail to $20,000.