Fugitive caught after 3-month hunt

A federal fugitive who allegedly rammed into a van carrying U.S. marshals was caught hiding in the tool shed of a Leeward Oahu home yesterday.

Jerry Duran, 39, was arrested by Honolulu police Specialized Services Division members as they were conducting a house-to-house search along Paakai Street in Honokai Hale at 1:30 p.m.

Police began the search after finding an abandoned car near the neighborhood. Duran had been spotted in the car earlier that morning by U.S. marshals, federal officials said.

Duran, also known as "Iceman," according to federal authorities, was arrested by federal Drug Enforcement Administration officials earlier this year for alleged possession of crystal methamphetamine and a .32-caliber revolver with a silencer. Prior to being sentenced, he was allowed to attend a drug treatment program at the Salvation Army and escaped from federal officials in September.

While tracking Duran yesterday, U.S. marshals spotted him at the surf spot known as "Tracks" near the Kahe Power Plant about 9 a.m.

Federal officials said when Duran spotted them, he took off in a Honda car with license plates belonging to a Mercedes, and rammed the marshals' vehicle. There were no injuries, but two federal officers were shaken up in the crash, authorities said.

Duran then headed east on Farrington Highway and ditched his vehicle near Honokai Hale. Honolulu police responded and searched the area with SSD, K-9, police bloodhound and helicopter units.

According to state records, Duran has 36 convictions dating back to 1985. They include six felony convictions for burglary, escape, several parole violations and drug offenses.