Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. escaped from Kauai Community Correctional Center in Hawaii by scaling a fence with razor wire. After fleeing from the jail, he was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident. He was found lying next to Kuhio Highway, about 100 yards away from the jail, and was transported to a hospital in serious condition where he remained in custody. Ornellas, a 33-year-old minimum-security inmate serving time for a drug conviction, ultimately passed away from his injuries on Thursday. Authorities are investigating the escape and the hit-and-run incident.
Correctional officers gave chase to Ornellas after he fled but lost sight of him when he entered a dense brush area near the jail. Following his escape, Ornellas was hit by the vehicle as he was running north in the southbound lane of Kuhio Highway. The driver responsible for the hit-and-run incident left the scene before first responders arrived, and police are now searching for this individual. A public defender who previously represented Ornellas for a probation violation declined to comment on his escape.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Hawaii is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ornellas’ escape and subsequent death. Ornellas’ escape and the hit-and-run incident have raised questions about the security measures in place at the Kauai Community Correctional Center. Ornellas’ status as a minimum-security inmate serving time for a drug conviction also brings attention to the treatment and management of offenders in the corrections system.
Ornellas’ tragic death has highlighted the dangers and risks associated with escaping from correctional facilities. The incident also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and correctional officers in maintaining security at jails and prisons. The hit-and-run incident that ultimately led to Ornellas’ passing serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of criminal actions. Overall, the circumstances surrounding Ornellas’ escape and subsequent death shed light on various issues within the criminal justice system in Hawaii.
The impact of Ornellas’ escape and death has been felt by his family, friends, and the broader community in Hawaii. The loss of a life under these circumstances is tragic, and it is a reminder of the human cost of criminal behavior and the challenges faced by individuals involved in the justice system. The investigation into Ornellas’ escape and the hit-and-run incident will likely provide further insight into what went wrong and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ultimately, Ornellas’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of breaking the law and the importance of upholding public safety.
