Police seek witnesses in double fatal hit-and-run crash

Police were looking for potential witnesses tonight in a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed two men Monday night in Makaha.

Family identified the victims as Jonah Ragsdale, 23, and Daniel D.K. Mole, 21.

“It’s surreal,” said Richard Mole, Daniel’s father, who had joined friends and loved ones gathered at the scene of the crime today. “Geez, I just saw him. He was young and vibrant, and you don’t expect your child to be gone one day.”

Lt. Ben Moszkowicz, acting captain of the Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division, said the two men were repairing the left tire of a white 1990 Toyota Tacoma on the eastbound shoulder of Farrington Highway about 7:40 p.m. Monday when a white 2013 Volkswagen Passat struck them. The driver was traveling east on the highway when the Passat hit the men about a mile east of Makua Cave.

The vehicle continued on the road without stopping to render aid.

Emergency Medical Services transported Mole to an area hospital in critical condition where he died.

Paramedics examined a third man in his 20s for minor injuries. He refused treatment and transport to a hospital.

About a half-hour after the hit-and-run, the vehicle was located on Lahilahi Street in Makaha with a female in the backseat.

Police observed damage to the front bumper and hood. The front right tire was also missing.

Police plan to obtain footage from surveillance cameras in the residential area where the Volkswagen Passat was located. They are also seeking a search warrant for the vehicle that is currently at the main police headquarters.

It’s unknown at this time whether speed, alcohol or drugs were involved.

There are no arrests at this time, and police are seeking witnesses.

“If anyone can identify the driver or saw the collision, we would appreciate that help,” Moszkowicz said.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police department’s Vehicular Homicide Section at 723-3413.