Prosecutors said the truck was reported stolen Oct. 19 from Prince Kuhio Plaza, and the driver's bail remains set at $72,000.
PUNA, HI - October 22, 2026
A Puna man, identified as 65-year-old Arthur Clayton Jr., has been charged after a stolen Toyota Tacoma hit a telephone pole on Government Beach Road during a police pursuit, according to Hawaii News Now. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Key Facts
- Date: Oct. 19, 2026 (theft reported; pursuit that day)
- Location: Government Beach Road, Puna, Hawaii
- Type of crash: Vehicle struck a telephone pole after a police pursuit
- Vehicles involved: Toyota Tacoma, reported stolen
- Responding agencies: Police
- Reported by: Hawaii News Now
Crash Overview
Prosecutors said the Toyota Tacoma was reported stolen from Prince Kuhio Plaza on October 19. Later that day, officers reportedly observed the truck moving at a high speed along Government Beach Road.
According to police, the driver declined to stop, kept driving at speed and eventually veered off the roadway, striking a telephone pole. Hawaii News Now reports that the driver, Arthur Clayton Jr., who is 65, allegedly fled on foot and was taken into custody shortly after.
Clayton's request for supervised release was denied on Wednesday, and bail was kept at $72,000. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 23.
Investigation Status
Hawaii News Now reports that Clayton's charges include reckless driving and driving without a license, along with first-degree theft and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle in the first degree.
If You Were Involved
If you were involved in a crash, consider these general steps:
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine.
- Document the scene with photos or video if it is safe to do so.
- Exchange information with the other drivers and note any witnesses.
- Request the official crash report from the law enforcement agency that responded.
- Notify your insurer as soon as reasonably possible.
- Consider speaking with a qualified attorney if you were injured or face significant losses.