HILO, Hawai’i – Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced today that 45-year-old Sommer Lopez of Hilo has been arrested and charged in connection with the theft of a Ford F-150, driving under the influence of a drug, driving without a license, and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.
Lopez was apprehended by police on May 19, 2025, at the Puna Kai Shopping Center. The Ford F-150 she was allegedly driving had been reported stolen on May 15, 2025, from a residence in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
Lopez made her initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Wednesday afternoon, May 21. Her bail has been set at $93,000.00, and she is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 23, 2025.
According to the complaint, Lopez faces multiple charges, including:
- Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle), a Class B felony carrying a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term.
- Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree
- Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant
- Driving Without a License
- Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of any amount of methamphetamine)
- Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree (possession of marijuana)
Prosecutors have indicated that if convicted of the most serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, Lopez may be subject to a mandatory prison term and would not be eligible for probation.
The charges against Lopez are currently allegations, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation into the stolen vehicle was initiated by Officer Rory Ringang of Puna Patrol, with the arrest made by Officer Chyann Gabriel, also of Puna Patrol. Officer Dallas Arce conducted the advanced roadside impaired driving enforcement examination, and Officer Jason Miyashiro performed the drug recognition examination. Detective Joseph Picadura of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department, led the felony investigation. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Wersal is prosecuting the case.