A Kona man, out on bail for a previous car theft, was arrested on August 1st, 2012, for stealing a 08-02 Honda Accord. At 6:30 a.m., an off-duty Honoka’a patrol officer spotted the stolen Honda Accord being driven recklessly westward on Highway 19. The officer, who had knowledge of the vehicle theft earlier that morning from a Waimea shopping center, immediately reported the sighting and pursued the vehicle.
The Honda exited Highway 19 and stopped at a dead end on Palikekua Street in Honoka’a. The driver abandoned the 08-02 Honda and fled on foot. Responding officers, aided by local residents who reported sightings of a man matching the driver’s description, apprehended 22-year-old Jesse Travis Ralston of Kailua-Kona on Plumeria Street at 10:20 a.m.
Ralston was taken to the Kona police cellblock. Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continued the investigation. He was subsequently charged on August 2nd with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, theft, and reckless driving. His bail was set at $31,000 pending his court appearance on August 3rd. This incident followed a previous arrest on July 19th where Ralston was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, released on $2,000 bail.
This case highlights the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activity and assisting law enforcement. The quick response by the off-duty officer and the cooperation of residents led to the swift recovery of the stolen 08-02 Honda Accord and the apprehension of the suspect.
