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Two arrested for allegedly breaking into car of police chief’s secretary

Terry Jones died in crash while chasing someone who had stolen her purse

By Lila Fujimoto 3 min read

WAILUKU -- Two suspects have been arrested for allegedly breaking into the vehicle of the police chief's secretary Terry Jones, who died in a crash Feb. 24 in Makawao while pursuing someone who had stolen her purse, police said Thursday.

At a news conference at the Wailuku Police Station, police identified the primary suspect as Robert Nelson.

He was arrested when police were called after he was seen breaking into cars in a parking lot in Makawao at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Detective John Surina, the lead investigator in the case. He said Crime Reduction Unit officers arrested Nelson as he unsuccessfully tried to flee the area.

As the investigation continued after his arrest, Nelson "confessed to his involvement with breaking into Ms. Terry Jones' vehicle and the theft of her purse," Surina said.

"He provided investigators with verifiable details of the break-in that tend to confirm his specific involvement in the crime," Surina said.

Jones, a 55-year-old Makawao resident, died at the scene of the crash at 4:40 a.m. Feb. 24 on Kula Highway at the intersection of Haleakala Highway. Police said she was driving a 2018 Honda Pilot that was heading downhill on Kula Highway when she lost control and hit a large tree in the "Five Trees" intersection while trying to turn right onto Haleakala Highway.

After the crash, police made multiple checks in the Upcountry area for surveillance video and evidence that might lead to developing a possible suspect, Surina said.

He said "concerned members of the community" helped police develop a timeline of events and provide locations where evidence was found.

"With the continued assistance of community members, vigilant police work using technology and additional investigative efforts by police personnel," Nelson was identified as a suspect before his arrest Wednesday, Surina said.

He said Jones' car was broken into and her purse was stolen on Kula Highway about 100 yards north of Omaopio Road on the makai side of the road.

Police reported Nelson is facing charges including first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, as well as four additional cases of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.

Surina said police are coordinating with prosecutor's office for appropriate charges.

He said Nelson has a criminal record and prior police contacts.

The second suspect, who was arrested Thursday afternoon, is believed to have been with Nelson when the crime occurred, Surina said. He said details about that person weren't yet available.

In addition to police officers who worked on the investigation, Assistant Chief Randy Esperanza thanked "members of the community who came forward with the vital bits of information, which will be crucial in the prosecution of this individual."

"At first, we had little to go on," Esperanza said. "But I credit the tenacity and perseverance of our Crime Reduction Unit and Criminal Investigation Division and the awesome teamwork they displayed in pursuing and apprehending this individual."

Jones' daughter, Stacy Yagi, thanked the police department.

"We are so proud, and not for a moment did we ever doubt that we would get justice," she said. "There isn't a big enough word to say how grateful we are."

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

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