Puna man charged with attempted car theft during Hurricane Lala emergency period

A 34-year-old Puna man was arrested and charged in connection with an incident Aug. 15, during the Hurricane Lala emergency period, during which he reportedly attempted to take a vehicle from the Puna Kai Shopping Center parking lot in Pāhoa before its owner removed him.

Hawai‘i County prosecutor’s office reports Jason Pagan is charged with:

• First-degree attempted theft (theft of property, the value of which exceeded $300, during an emergency period).
• First-degree attempted theft (theft of a motor vehicle).
• First-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.

Pagan made his initial court appearance the afternoon of Aug. 19 in Hilo District Court, during which his bail was maintained at $220,000 and he was ordered to appear Aug. 24 for a preliminary hearing.

First-degree attempted theft is a Class B felony, carrying a penalty of either 10 years in prison or 4 years probation and up to 18 months in jail, if convicted. First-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle is a Class C felony punishable by either 5 years in prison or 4 years probation and up to 12 months in jail, if convicted.

Hawai‘i Police Department says Pagan reportedly entered, started and reversed an Infiniti G35 parked in the Puna Kai parking lot Aug. 15 before being removed from the vehicle by its owner. Pagan fled the scene and was apprehended a short time later by police.

The arrest and felony investigation were handled by Hawai‘i Police Department Puna Patrol Officer Reis Darakjian. Deputy Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Frenz is prosecuting the case.

“As a reminder, enhanced criminal penalties apply to certain crimes committed during a state of emergency declared by the mayor or governor, including burglary, theft, criminal property damage, robbery and assault against an emergency worker,” said Hawai‘i County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen in a release. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by Hurricane Lala. We are committed to working together with our partners at the County of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Police Department and Civil Defense to keep our residents and community safe.”