A 54-year-old Kailua-Kona man sustained life-threatening injuries and a 59 year old Utah visitor was arrested following a two-vehicle collision near the 3-mile marker on Aliʻi Drive in Kona.
On October 15, police investigators determined that a white 2023 Chevrolet Suburban SUV, traveling north, attempted to make a right turn when it collided with a northbound maroon 2022 Icebear moped in the designated bike lane.
The impact of the collision ejected the rider from the moped, causing him to sustain severe head injuries. He was transported to Kona Community Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Queens Medical Center on Oʻahu where he is listed in critical condition. His identity currently remains undisclosed pending confirmation.
The driver of the Chevrolet Suburban has been identified as 59-year-old Thomas Sharkey, of Sandy, Utah. Sharkey was arrested for negligent injury and released pending further investigation.
The male moped rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision and it is suspected that he may have been under the influence of an intoxicant.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent injury investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov.
HPD Photo