Woman Screams for Help as Stranger Carries Her Toward His Truck in Broad-Daylight Hawaii Kidnapping Attempt

A 24-year-old woman was allegedly grabbed and carried toward a stranger’s truck in a terrifying attempted kidnapping in Honolulu, Hawaii, before nearby residents rushed to intervene.

The incident unfolded around noon on October 26 at the Kainalu condominium complex on Coconut Avenue in the Diamond Head neighborhood. The woman was walking through the parking garage with her 77-year-old friend when a man allegedly approached them from behind.

Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Diesel Makanikaiaulu Kawelo.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows the man approaching the two women before chasing the younger woman as she tries to escape. He then allegedly grabbed her and carried her toward his vehicle while she kicked, swung her arms and screamed for help.

According to prosecutors, Kawelo carried the woman approximately 35 feet and released her about four feet from his truck. During the struggle, she reportedly pulled at his hair in an attempt to break free.

Her elderly companion also tried to get help. The woman later told Hawaii News Now that she was shouting for assistance as her friend pleaded with the man to stop. Police said Kawelo also allegedly elbowed the older woman in the face.

The screams alerted nearby residents, who quickly came outside. One neighbor, Mike Finkelstein, said he shouted at the suspect that police had been called and that he was coming toward him. Another resident, Beverly Louis, recalled seeing the woman being held tightly and dragged toward the truck.

The intervention helped the younger woman escape. Kawelo then allegedly got into his vehicle and fled.

Police arrested him approximately three hours later near the intersection of 22nd Avenue and Diamond Head Road. Authorities said officers found him running naked before taking him into custody.

Kawelo was initially charged with kidnapping, and his bail was set at $500,000. On October 30, an Oahu grand jury indicted him on charges of kidnapping, a Class A felony, and harassment.

He appeared in court on October 29, where he remained silent. He is being held at the Oahu Community Correctional Center without bail following the indictment.

The 77-year-old witness said the incident had left her and her friend deeply shaken. Residents who intervened have also described the frightening moments that unfolded in the condominium garage.

The case remains before the courts. The charges are allegations, and Kawelo has not been convicted.