Inmate who fled Hawaii jail, struck by vehicle during police pursuit, passes away

An inmate in Hawaii died after breaking out of jail, jumping onto an expressway, and being hit by a car while escaping police last week, according to authorities.

Matthew J. Ornellas Jr., 33, escaped from Kauai Community Correctional Center last Friday but was hit and ran shortly after.

The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced Thursday that he died as a result of his injuries.

Inmate who fled Hawaii jail, struck by vehicle during police pursuit, passes away

According to prison officials, Ornellas scaled a razor wire fence, and correctional guards pursued him but eventually lost sight of him.

The correctional authorities then heard a loud noise and eventually discovered Ornellas on the freeway, some 100 yards from the jail.

He sustained significant injuries and was later hospitalized.

Orenellas was jogging north on Kuhio Highway’s southbound lane when he was hit, according to Kauai police.

The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said he was doing time for a narcotics conviction.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says it is still investigating the escape.

Ornellas was a minimum-security inmate at Kauai Community Correctional Center.

Authorities are still seeking for the vehicle’s driver, who fled before first responders arrived, according to Kauai police.

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