MPD: California couple hid on side of the road while alleged carjacker taunted them

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Maui police have released chilling new details of a alleged carjacking of two visitors earlier this month. The suspect has since been indicted on multiple felony offenses.

Police say that around 7 p.m. on June 4, a California couple was heading toward Kihei after a trip to Hana.

The couple, a 29-year-old female and 31-year-old man, was driving along Piilani Highway when a Toyota Tacoma with its headlights off started following them.

Police said the two allowed the truck to pass them and shortly after, that vehicle came to a stop on the roadway. That’s when they allege a man got out of the vehicle, pointed a gun at them and told them to get out of their vehicle and to start walking.

The suspect then allegedly got into the couple’s rented Ford Mustang and drove off.

Police say as the couple began to walk, they hid behind bushes and boulders on the side of the road.

The suspect then allegedly stopped the Mustang and drove back toward them.

“The male reportedly returned to the area, calling out to the victims and asking them if they wanted the car back. He continued calling out and looking for the victims, during which time he fired at least one shot with the pistol, causing the couple to believe he was shooting at them,” MPD said in an email to HNN.

The couple eventually came out from hiding and began hiking toward the summit area of Haleakala, MPD said. Nearly 24 hours later, a group of hikers and park rangers helped the couple get to the visitor’s center.

In the days that followed the carjacking, a task force of multiple agencies came together to arrest 35-year-old Christopher Helmer, who was identified as the suspect.

He was taken into custody on June 8.

“At the time of his arrest, Helmer was operating the stolen Mustang and had a loaded firearm. Following his arrest, further investigation resulted in the recovery of additional evidence linking him to the robbery and the recovery of the Tacoma, which was found to be a stolen vehicle,” MPD added.

On June 21, a grand jury indicted Helmer and he faces a slew of charges including, first degree robbery, firearm and drug offenses, along with driving a stolen vehicle.

His bail has been set at $500,000 and he remains in police custody.

Police are continuing their investigation, including the possible involvement of other people. However, police said for now, there has been no confirmation that Helmer had any accomplices.