Hawaii inmate dead from injuries sustained during escape

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Kauai police said a man that they found lying next to a roadside ditch after being hit by a car has died.

Matthew J. Ornellas escaped the Kauai Community Correctional Center on Friday by scaling the outer perimeter fence just after 1 a.m.

Officers pursued but lost track of him until they heard a loud sound from the road.

Ornellas was found with serious injuries after allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run.

He was taken to the hospital but his condition deteriorated until his death Thursday.

“The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) extends its heartfelt condolences to Ornellas’ family and loved ones,” said DCR Director Tommy Johnson.

Ornellas was serving time for a drug offense.

Officers said at the time of pursuit, they saw a dark-colored car making a U-turn onto Kuhio Highway and then speeding toward Kapaʻa.

Both the escape and the alleged hit-and-run are being investigated.

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run can call Officer Henshaw at (808) 241-1616 or Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at (808) 246-8300 to remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers Kauai website or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App.