A Kailua-Kona man is charged with alcohol- and drug-related offenses following an alleged hit-and-run on Saturday in Kailua Village that injured a 13-year-old girl. ADVERTISING A Kailua-Kona man is charged with alcohol- and drug-related offenses following an alleged hit-and-run on
A Kailua-Kona man is charged with alcohol- and drug-related offenses following an alleged hit-and-run on Saturday in Kailua Village that injured a 13-year-old girl.
Matthew Marso, 30, is accused of driving under the influence of intoxicants, second-degree negligent injury, leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries, promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree and driving without a license and proof of insurance. His bail was set at $2,275. If he fails to post bail, he’ll make his first court appearance today.
The Nissan SUV Marso was driving Saturday afternoon jumped a curb near the intersection of Hualalai Road and Alii Drive, striking the girl, according to police and witness accounts.
The girl, who is from Plano, Texas, was treated and released the same day. Witnesses say Marso was trying to leave the scene when Kailua-Kona gallery owner Joshua Lambus rode up on a skateboard, yanked open the door of the SUV and detained Marso until police arrived.
Lambus had followed behind the SUV north on Alii Drive from Magic Sands, saying the vehicle was swerving and narrowly missing pedestrians and a bicyclist. Lambus stayed behind the vehicle until he reached his shop on Alii Drive and switched the car for skateboard to continue the pursuit. He arrived on scene just as the girl was hit.
The story appeared in news outlets across the world Monday, with some tabloids hailing Lambus as a hero.
Email Bret Yager at byager@westhawaiitoday.com.
