Kīhei Man Charged With Robbery

Nicholas V. Neely. Photo credit: Maui Police Department.

Maui police arrested a Maui man after he allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle during an incident reported at around 10:40 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015.

Police say Nicholas Neely, 36, of Kīhei was arrested and charged with:

• Robbery in the First Degree
• Burglary in the First Degree
• Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Motor Vehicle

According to police reports, the victim left her residence in Kīhei and returned a few hours later. Police say the victim was walking towards her house, when she heard a family member screaming from the back cottage.

Police say the victim saw a male suspect running away from the cottage toward her van.

The suspect, later identified by police as Nicholas Neely, allegedly got into the victim’s van and started to drive away.

According to police reports, the victim reached into the van and was able to stop the vehicle by grabbing the gear shift lever. Police say Neely allegedly tried to strike the victim with a baseball bat when she reached inside the van.

A neighbor reportedly assisted in detaining Neely before police could arrive.

Neely was being held in lieu of $16,000 bail at last report.