Motorist flees ambulance
and jumps into harbor
A male driver suspected of knocking down a traffic-light post early today tried to get away by jumping out of an ambulance and then into Honolulu Harbor, officials said.
The accident happened about 4:20 a.m. at Nimitz Highway and Bishop Street. An ambulance was called and police closed three Koko Head-bound lanes.
After the suspect was put into the ambulance, he jumped out, and then into the water near Irwin Park at Aloha Tower, according to Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Kenison Tejada.
The suspect then swam to the Falls of Clyde ship, on the Ewa side of Pier 7, Tejada said.
Fire rescue personnel, who were called to the scene, swam after the suspect and talked him into getting onto a small floating dock, then pulled him in.
A police sergeant fell into the harbor after he climbed over a fence and leaned on a pole to yell at the suspect. He was not hurt. Police arrested the suspect.
At least two Koko Head-bound lanes remained closed for several hours as police investigated the incident.