Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center inmate reportedly hit by car following escape from jail

A Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center inmate is being treated at Wilcox Medical Center after suffering injuries in a reported hit-and-run shortly after he escaped from the jail early this morning.

According to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Matthew J. Ornellas Jr., 33, escaped from the facility just after 1 a.m. Shortly before 1:10 a.m., correctional officers located Ornellas on Kūhiō Highway, approximately 100 yards northeast of the jail, with serious injuries.

It appeared that a dark-colored vehicle traveling on the highway toward Līhuʻe hit Ornellas, officials stated in a press release this morning. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop to render aid and was last seen making a U-turn toward Kapa‘a.

Officers immediately called 911 and Kauaʻi police arrived at the scene. Ornellas was taken by ambulance to the Wilcox Medical Center.

The 33-year-old is serving time for third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, a class C felony.

Police reports have been filed for the escape and alleged hit-and-run. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has initiated an investigation into the matter, as standard procedure.