Na‘alehu man remains behind bars following weekend crime spree that involved reported carjackings in Volcano area

A 31-year-old Nāʻālehu man who was arrested during the weekend following two reported carjackings and several traffic collisions in the Volcano area remains behind bars following his initial court hearing on nearly 30 charges related to the crime spree.

Hawaiʻi County prosecutor’s office reports that Pomaikai Olson appeared the afternoon Oct. 14 in Hilo District Court. His bail was maintained at $592,000 and he was ordered to return Oct. 16 for a preliminary hearing.

Olson is charged with:

• 2 counts of first-degree robbery.
• 3 counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
• 3 counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.
• 2 counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.
• 5 counts of accident involving damage to vehicle or property.
• 3 counts of second-degree reckless endangering.
• 2 counts of fourth-degree criminal property damage.
• First-degree attempted unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
• First-degree attempted burglary.
• Duty upon striking unattended vehicle/property.
• Second-degree negligent injury.
• Accident involving substantial bodily injury.
• Driving without a license.
• Impersonating a police officer.

First-degree robbery, the most serious offense, is a Class A felony punishable by 20 years in prison if convicted.

First-degree theft and first-degree attempted burglary are Class B felonies that each would carry either a 10-year prison sentence or 4 years probation and up to 18 months in jail.

The charges stem from a series of traffic collisions and incidents Oct. 11 that began with police dispatch receiving numerous calls regarding a reckless driver traveling Hilo-bound on Highway 11 within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

The case was initiated by Hawai‘i Police Department Puna Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Amy Omaya with Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Criminal Investigation Section.

Deputy Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Lester is prosecuting the case.