The Maui Police Department has reported the arrest and subsequent charging of Jacob Rohrer, a 26-year-old Haiku resident, on charges that include unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and assault, among others. According to a social media post by the Maui Police Department, Rohrer escaped from a medical facility last Saturday where he had been placed by court order.
Shortly after his escape, Rohrer allegedly stole a vehicle that had been left idling near 55 Maui Lani Parkway in Wailuku, at which point an 83-year-old woman was injured as she was being assisted into the vehicle, sustaining minor injuries but treated at the scene by medical personnel. When patrol officers later spotted the stolen vehicle and attempted to stop Rohrer, he refused to halt and fled the scene, leading them on a chase towards the Hali’imaile area, with the officers were unable to apprehend him at that moment.
The stolen vehicle was found the next day parked unattended at a residence in Haiku. The Maui Police regained traction on Monday following a tip about Rohrer's whereabouts, which led to the use of various department resources, including drones, the MPD K9 Unit, and the Hekili department helicopter in their search operations.
While specific details of the search were withheld to "preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensure officer safety," the department emphasized that it remained committed to community safety, stating that had there been a known immediate threat to the public, notifications would be dispensed promptly. The community's cooperation was acknowledged in the statement posted on social media, where appreciation was expressed for their understanding throughout the investigation's progress.
