Matthew J. Ornellas Jr., a 33-year-old inmate in Hawaii, died after escaping from the Kauai Community Correctional Center and being hit by a car while fleeing police. Ornellas scaled a fence with razor wire shortly after escaping the facility, prompting correctional officers to chase after him. He was eventually found on the interstate about 100 yards from the jail and was hospitalized due to serious injuries. Ornellas was running on the wrong side of the road when he was hit by a car, according to Kauai police.
Ornellas was serving time for a drug conviction and was a minimum-security inmate at the Kauai Community Correctional Center. The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is continuing to investigate the escape and circumstances surrounding Ornellas’ death. Authorities are also searching for the driver of the vehicle that hit Ornellas, as they fled before first responders arrived at the scene. The details of how Ornellas managed to escape and what led to him running onto the interstate are still under investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about security and safety measures at the Kauai Community Correctional Center. Ornellas’ escape and subsequent death have highlighted the potential dangers that inmates face when trying to flee from custody. In light of this incident, authorities may reevaluate their procedures for handling minimum-security inmates and preventing future escapes. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will likely conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding Ornellas’ escape to determine any lapses in security protocols.
The tragic death of Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. serves as a reminder of the risks involved in escaping from a correctional facility. Ornellas’ attempt to flee from custody ultimately led to his demise, and the consequences of his actions have impacted those around him. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will work to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future. By investigating the escape and addressing any shortcomings in security measures, authorities aim to improve the safety of inmates and staff at the Kauai Community Correctional Center. The community will also play a role in supporting the investigation and seeking justice for Ornellas’ death.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. underscores the challenges faced by inmates attempting to escape from custody. The incident has sparked an investigation by the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and raised concerns about security protocols at the Kauai Community Correctional Center. Authorities will work to address any issues identified during the investigation in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ornellas’ death serves as a cautionary tale for others considering escaping from a correctional facility and highlights the potential risks involved in such actions. The community’s support will be crucial in seeking justice for Ornellas and ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
