9-15-23 Puna man charged with domestic and traffic violations
Hawaii Police Department
Juvenile Assistance Department – First Region
Lieutenant Robert B. Pauley
Phone: (808) 961-2254
Report number: 087609-23 and 087612-23
Media release
Hawaii Island Police have arrested a 31-year-old Kea’au man and charged him with multiple felonies stemming from a domestic and traffic-related incident that occurred on Ainaloa Drive on Tuesday evening, September 12, 2023.
At approximately 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Puna patrol officers were dispatched to an active residence inside a light-colored Toyota Tacoma. The victim was screaming for help and saying she had been kidnapped. As officers approached Ainaloa Drive, a Toyota Tacoma truck was observed turning north onto Highway 130 from Ainaloa Drive at a high rate of speed. The police officers tried to stop the car, but the car continued to drive aggressively and at high speed. Due to the driver’s actions and disregard for public safety, officers did not initiate a pursuit.
Officers contacted the victim on Inaloa Road and witnesses in the area where they identified Daniel Gray Lewis Jr. as the suspect in the domestic and traffic crimes.
On Wednesday morning, Lewis was arrested without incident and transported to the Pahoa Police Station while 1st District Juvenile Assistance Division investigators continued their investigation.
After consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, Lewis was charged Thursday evening, September 14, with the following crimes:
- to kidnap
- First degree terrorist threat
- Felony abuse of a family member (aggravated strangulation)
- Two counts of misdemeanor abuse of a family member
- Resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle
- Excessive speed 81+
- Reckless driving
Lewis was also arrested and charged with four outstanding warrants. Bail for all crimes and warrants is $87,850.
Lewis is being held at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center awaiting a preliminary court hearing scheduled for Friday, September 15, in Hilo District Court.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Patrick Aurello at (808) 961-8810 or via email at patrick.aurello@hawaiicounty.gov.
