Inmate Joseph C. Fernandez, one of three individuals who escaped from the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center (HCCC) Hale Nani site on Friday, December 13, 2024, has been apprehended and returned to custody. The 35-year-old Fernandez was arrested by the Hawaiʻi County Police Department at the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision in Kaʻu on the evening of Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Fernandez, along with two other inmates, Kawai J. Pomroy, 41, and Clyde T. Loa, 31, left the Hale Nani facility without permission on Friday afternoon. Authorities reported the three missing at approximately 4:30 p.m. that day.

Prosecutors have charged Fernandez with second-degree escape, first-degree theft (motor vehicle), and first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle. Police found a dark gray 2014 Nissan Altima, belonging to a Hale Nani employee, at Ocean View Estates near the location of Fernandez’s arrest. The employee had reported the vehicle missing around the same time the inmates were discovered missing.

Pomroy, described as 6 feet, 2 inches tall, weighing about 208 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, is serving time for misdemeanor abuse of a family or household member. Loa, described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 165 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, is serving time for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle, and unauthorized possession of confidential information.

All three inmates were classified under community custody, the lowest-security custody classification at HCCC.

Authorities are continuing to search for Pomroy and Loa, and anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact 911 or the Sheriffs Division at 808-586-1352.

The investigation is ongoing.