LIHUE — A 59-year-old Hanamaulu man was taken into police custody Jan. 20 in connection with the apparent hit-and-run crash on Jan. 11, critically injuring a girl as she walked to the bus stop that morning for school.
Police say Virgil Caday, 59, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent injury, accidents involving serious bodily injury, inattention to driving, tampering with physical evidence and tampering with a witness.
Caday was released the same day as his arrest pending further investigation, police said.
A TGI reporter went to Caday’s home early Friday evening. A woman in the front yard said Virgil Caday was not feeling well and said the family wanted its privacy.
The girl, Arayza Sabay, 12 at the time of the accident, sustained a brain injury and a fractured jaw. She was transported to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, where she remains in critical condition.
Her father, Raymondo Sabay, said he is thankful to hear that a suspect has been arrested, but he’s not happy about it because both parties are victims of this unfortunate incident.
Sabay said his daughter is getting better. She is able to talk but it’s difficult to understand her because of her injuries, he said.
A preliminary investigation found that Arayza appeared to have been walking along Laukona Street when she was struck by a vehicle. A passerby saw the injured child and called 911. When the police and first responders arrived, they said the involved vehicle was not there.
“I’d like to thank the community for their patience and assistance during the length of this investigation,” said Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry. “Our officers worked diligently in order to secure an arrest for this tragic incident. Our thoughts remain with the victim and her family during this difficult time.”
An account has been set up to help with medical expenses and travel for the Sabay family, gofundme.com/2t9ek9o.
