Vehicle Allegedly Stolen at Gunpoint, Haʻikū Man Arrested

Mauro Castillo.

Maui police arrested a Haʻikū man following a report of a vehicle theft at gunpoint on Sunday night in Kīhei.

Police say the arrest stemmed from an incident reported at around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, in which a male victim reported that four males and a female, utilized a firearm, and took an undisclosed amount of cash and property from him, before stealing his vehicle.

Police say the suspects fled the area in the victim’s car, a Nissan Altima, and a gray Toyota Tacoma.

Police say they attempted to stop the Tacoma; however the driver of the vehicle refused to stop and allegedly evaded the pursuing officers. The vehicle was followed into a sugar cane field, where a suspect was observed fleeing on foot.

According to police reports, officers located Mauro Castillo Jr., 38, hiding in the field and took him into custody.

Castillo was arrested at around 10:09 p.m. for allegations of: first degree robbery; kidnapping; felon in possession of a loaded firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle; place to keep a loaded firearm; resisting an order to stop; and reckless driving.

Police say no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

An investigation is ongoing.

Castillo remained in police custody at last report.  No bail had been set as of Monday, Nov. 30, 2015.