Man charged in Kauai hit-and-run

A 59-year-old man has been charged in connection with a January hit-and-run involving a 12-year-old girl in Hanamaulu.

Prosecutors charged Virgil M. Caday of Hanamaulu on Wednesday with first-degree negligent injury, leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious bodily injury, inattention to driving and tampering with physical evidence.

His arraignment is scheduled to be held Monday. His bail has been set at $100,000 bail.

Police said Caday was driving on Laukona Street on Jan. 11 when he allegedly struck a girl walking along the road. He then fled the scene.

The child was medevaced in critical condition to The Queen’s Medical Center. The Garden Island newspaper reported she suffered a brain injury, broken jaw and injured hand.

Police arrested Caday on Jan. 20 on suspicion of first-degree negligent injury and several other offenses, and released him pending further investigation.

He has a criminal record of driving under the influence of alcohol, consuming or possessing alcohol while operating a motor vehicle and criminal contempt of court.