KALAHEO — The Kauai Police Department on Friday captured a man who has been wanted since he escaped from a Kapaa transitional home on Jan. 14, 2015. Orlando Manguchei, 45, was initially serving time for terroristic threatening and third-degree promotion
KALAHEO — The Kauai Police Department on Friday captured a man who has been wanted since he escaped from a Kapaa transitional home on Jan. 14, 2015.
Orlando Manguchei, 45, was initially serving time for terroristic threatening and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug. Following his escape, the courts issued three warrants of arrest for escape, contempt of court, and possession of a prohibited firearm.
About 3 p.m. Friday, KPD Vice officers conducted a check for Manguchei in Kalaheo. They concentrated their search to an area known as Filters, which is a dirt road off Puuwai Road that leads to Alexander Dam.
Officers located Manguchei standing outside a Dodge Ram pickup. Upon noticing officers, Manguchei attempted to run but was apprehended and booked at KPD cellblock, according to a news release from the county.
Further investigation revealed that Manguchei was holding a handgun while running from officers. The handgun and Dodge truck were seized as evidence pending a search warrant.
Officers also located two dogs inside the truck and another pair of dogs near the area. The animals are believed to be four of the six dogs that were reported stolen from the Kauai Humane Society in May. Police returned all four dogs to the humane society.
The owner of the Dodge truck, 47-year-old Michelle Chandler, was also arrested. Chandler was sitting in the driver’s seat at the time police located Manguchei. She was booked for hindering prosecution in the first degree.
Manguchei and Chandler will likely face additional charges after police process all of the evidence.
Manguchei was returned to the Kauai Community Correctional Center Friday night while Chandler remained at police cellblock.
“Orlando Manguchei is a well-known criminal on our island and people will feel safer knowing that he is back in custody,” said Police Chief Darryl Perry.
