Fugitive is known Honolulu police said that the suspect who allegedly tried to run down a police officer in a stolen Mercedes earlier this month has a history of making dangerous escapes.
for violent acts
A man who allegedly
tried to run over a policeman
rammed HPD cars in '94By Rod Antone
rantone@starbulletin.com
Police are looking for William J. Barnes, 38, who they identified as the driver who allegedly ran into a police car, then forced a police officer to dive to the side of the road to avoid being hit along Cleghorn Street in Waikiki on Jan. 4.
The incident took place as police were attempting a traffic stop after officers observed a silver Mercedes Benz sedan make an illegal turn and then drive in the wrong direction on Kaiulani Avenue. The car was recovered in Kaimuki last week.
Honolulu police said that in 1994 Barnes was spotted in another stolen Mercedes near Date and Laau streets. Police said he rammed several police vehicles and fled the scene while officers fired their weapons at him. Barnes was arrested on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder, but was convicted of assault and criminal property damage.
Police also said Barnes has a history of stealing high-end automobiles. In November 1997, Barnes was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing a new Jaguar convertible.
Barnes has a total of 16 felony convictions, including assault, criminal property damage, theft, auto theft and accidents involving death or serious bodily injury.
Besides being wanted for questioning in this case, he is wanted on a parole-revocation warrant.
Police said Barnes frequents Waikiki and Chinatown. He is described as 5-feet-8, 135 pounds, with a medium build, brown receding hair, and brown eyes. He wears glasses and has a mustache and a goatee.
Barnes also has a number of aliases, including Billi Barnes, Barry Barnes, Kaleo Ho, Billi Keam Reeder, Brent James, Sanithiravuth Keam, Sanithiravuth Keqm, William Mars, Kalani Billy Mendes, Brent James Reeder and Keam Sanithiravuth.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
