Police release South Kona hit-and-run suspect pending investigation

FITZWATER
Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Police have released a 64-year-old Captain Cook man arrested Monday in connection with a possible fatal hit-and-run in South Kona pending further investigation.

Ronald Smith Fitzwater turned himself in to police after they put out a bulletin asking the public for help finding a suspect in the Sunday midday incident in the parking lot of Kealakekua Ranch Center that killed 88-year-old Theodor Lai Sr.

Fitzwater was arrested on suspicion of third-degree negligent homicide and failure to render aid. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of Lai’s death.