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
Chicago shooting: At least 5 shot in the Loop, alderman says; at least 2 shot on North State Street near ABC7 studios, sources say

Tragic Shooting in Chicago’s Loop: 5 Injured, Including 2 Near ABC7 Studios on North State Street

CHICAGO — On Friday night, a tragic event unfolded in the heart…
'It's life-changing': Single mother battling cancer gets new car from Lone Warrior Foundation

Single Mother Fighting Cancer Receives Life-Changing Gift: A New Car from Lone Warrior Foundation

Amid her struggle with ovarian cancer, Lakeisha Glaspie found solace and support…
Florida to use hundreds of confiscated Chinese drones as target practice for US military

Confiscated Chinese Drones in Florida Set to Become Target Practice for US Military

Florida officials have made a strategic decision to repurpose over 500 confiscated…
Glynn Co. officer arrested for disorderly conduct after property damage incident at apartment complex

Glynn County Officer Faces Charges for Disorderly Conduct and Property Damage at Local Apartment Complex

A Glynn County police officer has been implicated in an incident at…
Jacksonville-based company tallies loss of 181 shipping containers as barge returns to Florida

Jacksonville Firm Reports Loss of 181 Shipping Containers During Barge’s Return to Florida

A mechanical failure has led to a significant cargo loss for Trailer…
Nets close strong to stun Celtics at TD Garden

Brooklyn Nets Pull Off Stunning Comeback Victory Against Boston Celtics at TD Garden

Revenge can be a powerful motivator, and the Brooklyn Nets proved just…
Supreme Court blocks order that found Texas congressional map is likely racially biased

Supreme Court Halts Ruling on Alleged Racial Bias in Texas Congressional Map

In a significant development from Washington, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily…
Shooting at North Carolina Christmas tree lighting leaves 4 people wounded

Tragic Holiday Event: North Carolina Christmas Tree Lighting Marred by Shooting, Injuring Four

A Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North Carolina, was marred by…
Knife-wielding man in St. Louis airport shot and killed by police

Police Fatally Shoot Knife-Wielding Attacker at St. Louis Airport: Safety Concerns Addressed

A suspect armed with a knife was fatally shot on Friday morning…
North Carolina driver says bald eagle dropped cat through her windshield: 'You may not believe me'

North Carolina Woman Claims Bald Eagle Dropped Cat Through Her Windshield in Unbelievable Encounter

A driver traveling along a highway in North Carolina experienced a startling…
JSO: Three teens arrested in connection with October murder in Downtown Jacksonville

JSO: Trio of Teenagers Apprehended for Alleged Involvement in October Downtown Jacksonville Homicide

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has apprehended three teenagers in connection with the…
Florida deputy with 25 years on force killed serving eviction notice; suspect, locksmith also shot: sheriff

Tragedy in Florida: Veteran Deputy Killed During Eviction Notice Turned Deadly Shooting

A deputy sheriff from Florida lost her life in the line of…