17-year-old arrested in county truck theft

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A 17-year-old boy was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing a Hawaii County truck the night before.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested Thursday for allegedly stealing a Hawaii County truck the night before.

Police Capt. Robert Wagner said the truck was stolen at about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday outside the Hilo Civic Auditorium. County workers were cleaning the facility at the time and reported the vehicle missing.

Police spotted the truck about an hour later at the intersection of Puainako and Kinoole streets, Wagner said. The driver attempted to evade police and fled after ditching the vehicle on Ohea Street.

A 22-year-old man who was a passenger stayed in the vehicle. He was arrested but not charged, Wagner said.

Police found the boy who allegedly stole the truck Thursday in Hilo. He was arrested and charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, driving without a license and possession of marijuana.

Police declined to name the boy since he is a minor.

It wasn’t clear if the truck was damaged.