Maui, HI - Drunk Driver On Moped - Chase Though Maui High School  - Steals Police Car After Foot Chase - Escapes

Muai News 10/12/09 

WAILUKU - A police vehicle was recovered Saturday after it had been stolen in the early-morning hours when officers left it to pursue a suspect.

Police officers had observed a moped operator weaving down the road at a "peculiarly slow rate of speed" near Maui High School around 2:51 a.m. Saturday, according to a report submitted by Maui Police Lt. Tim Gapero of the Criminal Investigation Division.

The officers attempted to stop the moped operator, whom they suspected of drunken driving, but the operator sped off through the school campus. After a pursuit, the operator jumped off the moped in the area of Wakea Avenue and Kaluawahine Street, and fled on foot through the neighborhood.

"The officers left their vehicle to pursue the moped operator and failed to secure their vehicle," according to the report.

The driver managed to elude the police, and when they returned to their fleet vehicle, the officers discovered it was missing.

Kihei Patrol officers eventually located and recovered the vehicle on Mikioi Street. No damage was noted to the vehicle.

A suspect has been identified, but no arrest has been made, according to the report.

An investigation is continuing.

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