A 59-year-old Utah man who was driving a sport-utility vehicle was arrested Sunday after striking a moped and critically injuring its rider on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona.
A 59-year-old Utah man who was driving a sport-utility vehicle was arrested Sunday after striking a moped and critically injuring its rider on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona.
Officers responding to a call at 2:46 p.m. determined the driver of a northbound white 2023 Chevrolet Suburban attempted to make a right turn when he collided with a northbound maroon 2022 Icebear moped in the designated bike lane.
The impact of the collision ejected the 54-year-old male rider from the moped, causing him to sustain severe head injuries.
The rider was taken by ambulance to Kona Community Hospital and later medivaced to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu where he is listed in critical condition. His identity remains undisclosed pending confirmation.
The SUV driver — Thomas Sharkey of Sandy, Utah — was arrested on suspicion of negligent injury and later released from custody without being charged, pending further investigation.
The moped rider wasn’t wearing a helmet, and police suspect he might have been under the influence of an intoxicant.
The West Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent injury investigation and is asking potential witnesses to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
