Share this @internewscast.com

LIHUE, Hawaii — A man who escaped from a Hawaii jail and was struck by a vehicle soon after died Thursday from his injuries, authorities said.

Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. was seriously hurt in a hit-and-run after he fled from Kauai Community Correctional Center just after 1 a.m. last Friday, the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said.

He scaled a fence with razor wire, and correctional officers gave chase but lost sight of him when he entered a dense brush area, officials said.

Soon afterward they heard a loud sound from the road and found him lying next to Kuhio Highway, about 100 yards (90 meters) away from the jail. An ambulance transported him to a hospital, where he remained in serious condition and in custody. His condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead Thursday.

Ornellas, 33, was a minimum-security inmate serving time for a drug conviction, officials said.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it is continuing to investigate the escape.

Orenellas was hit as he was running north in the southbound lane of Kuhio Highway, Kauai police said. Police are searching for the driver, who left the scene before first responders arrived.

A public defender who represented Ornellas for a probation violation declined previously to comment on the escape.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening reveals the "amazing thing" about having a Simpson-ified room in his house

Matt Groening Unveils the Magic of Owning a Simpson-Themed Room at Home

SAN DIEGO — Not only is Matt Groening the creator of “The…
Tyler Robinson faces court hearing in Charlie Kirk murder case

Tyler Robinson appears in court for Charlie Kirk murder case hearing

Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and plan to seek…
China won't let Trump take Bagram Air Base back from the Taliban without a fight, expert warns

Expert Predicts: China Unlikely to Allow Trump to Reclaim Bagram Air Base from Taliban Without Challenge

President Donald Trump made the shocking announcement this month that the U.S.…
ICE in Chicago protest: Neurodivergent man among 4 charged after clash at Broadview ICE facility, supporters say

Chicago ICE Protest: Supporters Report Neurodivergent Man and 3 Others Charged Following Broadview Facility Incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — Four individuals appeared in court on Monday following a…
Texas woman with history of 5 marriages faces murder trial in husband's insulin death

Texas Woman with Five Previous Marriages Goes to Trial Over Husband’s Insulin-Related Death

Jury selection has begun in the high-profile murder trial of Sarah Hartsfield, the…
James Comey's well-deserved indictment: Letters

James Comey Faces Indictment: A Look at the Details

The Issue: The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for lying…
Teen runaway was likely dead for ‘several weeks’ before her remains were found in D4vd’s Tesla: cops

Teenager Who Ran Away Found Dead in D4vd’s Tesla Weeks After Disappearance: Police

Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teenager who had run away, was discovered deceased…
Trump stakes Gaza peace hopes on 21-point plan as Israel, Houthis continue deadly fighting

Trump Introduces 20-Step Strategy for Gaza Peace, Proposing Amnesty for Certain Hamas Members

New York, NY – President Donald Trump released his new 20-point plan…
Iowa revokes license of schools superintendent arrested by ICE, saying he is in US illegally

Iowa Rescinds License of School Superintendent Detained by ICE for Alleged Illegal U.S. Residency

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — On Monday, the professional license of the…
Chicago road closures: Chicago Avenue Bridge closing Monday for reconstruction project

Chicago Traffic Alert: Reconstruction of Chicago Avenue Bridge Set to Begin Monday

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Avenue bridge closes Monday over the river.…
Home bakers donate fresh bread to food banks thanks to this Seattle nonprofit

Seattle Nonprofit Helps Home Bakers Deliver Fresh Bread to Food Banks

On a recent Saturday near Seattle, Cheryl Ewaldsen pulled three golden loaves…
Daughter honors missing mom 1 year after Helene flooding

Daughter Pays Tribute to Mother 1 Year After Helene Flood Disaster

One year after Helene’s floodwaters carried Kim Ashby away, she remains among…