On the Big Island, a domestic dispute spiraled into a high-speed pursuit that ended with a crash and the arrest of 28-year-old Weston Duarte of Captain Cook, who is now facing multiple charges. On Thursday, police were alerted to a 911 text message from a 35-year-old woman stating she needed help, and that Duarte, her boyfriend, had threatened her life, was high on methamphetamine, and was in possession of a firearm. The report, provided by the Hawaii Police Department, added that he had also physically assaulted her.
Kona patrol officers quickly responded to the Napo‘opo‘o Road residence. Upon their arrival at approximately 5:10 p.m., they witnessed a grey Mazda 3, belonging to the victim, speeding away with a male driver fitting Duarte's description, and the visibly distressed woman in the back seat, the same vehicle was later involved in the crash on Highway 11. Despite swiftly embarking on a pursuit, the officers momentarily lost track of the vehicle before encountering it again, now wrecked by the 109-mile marker.
Duarte was discovered in the road and promptly arrested by the authorities at the scene. Following the incident, emergency services transported Duarte to the Kona Community Hospital and then to the Queen's Medical Center on O'ahu for treatment of his injuries. The woman, meanwhile, was also taken to the Kona Community Hospital where she remains in stable condition. The ensuing investigation confirmed Duarte as the driver at the time of the pursuit.
The list of charges against Duarte includes operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving without a valid driver's license, abuse of a family or household member, second-degree reckless endangering, and more. Detective Jeremiah Hull, tasked with the investigation, invites anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact him, with the assurance that tips leading to a conviction may be eligible for a monetary reward, as noted by Hawaii Police Department.
