Alleged Kona car thief nabbed, charged

A 33-year-old Kailua-Kona man has been arrested and charged with numerous offenses stemming from a spree of vehicle thefts in Kona.

As officers on Friday morning responded to report of a stolen 2020 Jeep Wrangler fronting an address in the 75-5700 block of Lanakoi Place, they observed the Jeep leaving the area and that it was being driven by Nakalohe Gersaba, who was a suspect in multiple recent vehicle thefts.

When officers attempted a traffic stop, Gersaba allegedly refused the officers’ order to stop and fled the area, driving in a reckless manner.

Gersaba drove the stolen vehicle to the end of a cul-de-sac in a Kealakehe subdivision where he left the vehicle and fled on foot.

Officers located Gersaba hiding in a nearby residence, which he had entered without permission. Upon attempting to arrest Gersaba, he allegedly resisted, requiring three officers to place him in handcuffs.

A glass smoking pipe and a packet containing approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine allegedly were found with Gersaba.

At the time of his arrest, Gersaba already was wanted by police as a suspect in at least seven vehicle theft investigations in Kona during the past week.

Gersaba on Sunday was charged with numerous offenses, including eight counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (auto theft) and 10 other offenses.

Gersaba’s initial bail was set at $545,000.

Gersaba remains in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station.

Anyone with information relative to this investigation is encouraged to call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. They may also contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118 or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.