Escaped Hawaii Inmate Hospitalized After Hit-and-Run Incident

Matthew J. Ornellas Jr., who fled a Hawaiian jail, was seriously injured just 300 feet from the facility.

Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. escaped from the Kauai Community Correctional Center early Friday, only to be hit by a vehicle moments later.
Ornellas, serving time for a drug charge, was found seriously injured and is now hospitalized in police custody.
The hit-and-run occurred approximately 300 feet from the jail; authorities are still searching for the driver.
The Kauai Community Correctional Center is a medium- and minimum-security facility, offering various rehabilitation programs.
The incident highlights challenges posed by the state’s aging correctional facilities and their security concerns.