The Kaua'i community is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a local man. According to a county press release, the collision occurred last Friday, near the 7-11 in Hanamā‘ulu, with police responding to a call about a man injured on the side of Kūhiō Highway around 9:15 p.m.
The victim, Alfred Lopes, 42, of Hanamā‘ulu, was discovered at the scene and swiftly airlifted to Queen’s Medical Center in critical condition. Sadly, after enduring life-saving efforts for two days, Lopes succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. Police have arrested and charged Tiffany Jeffries, 36, also a Hanamā‘ulu resident, with Negligent Injury in the First Degree and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Injury, as well as Inattention to Driving. Jeffries was driving a 2021 Chevrolet pickup truck that showed signs of having been involved in a pedestrian collision.
After her arrest, Jeffries was released pending further investigation, a process known as "RPI" which allows authorities additional time to probe the circumstances surrounding the crash beyond the standard 48-hour police custody period. The case highlights the broader issue of roadway safety, marking the fifth traffic fatality on Kaua‘i this year. The ongoing investigation underscores the critical role witnesses play in piecing together such incidents. As per the county's report, anyone with information is encouraged to step forward and assist by contacting Sergeant Hanna at (808) 241-1612 or Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi.
Concerned community members who wish to remain anonymous have several options to report anything they might have seen related to the incident. They can reach out via a call to Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at (808) 246-8300, submit a tip online at crimestopperskauai.org, or use the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App.
