First responders in Hawaii made a remarkable discovery when they found a hiker alive after he fell 1,000 feet from a trail. The hiker’s survival is a testament to the dedication and skill of these brave individuals. In other news, a fugitive known for his ability to change his appearance has been apprehended in Newport, California. The suspect, Tyler Adams, is expected to be extradited to Hawaii next week.
Governor Josh Green of Hawaii released a statement announcing Adams’ arrest. The 51-year-old was taken into custody by federal authorities on November 30, 2023, based on a state warrant issued in Hawaii. Adams had failed to return to the Laumaka Furlough Center in May 2019 while serving time at the Oahu Community Correctional Center for two felony theft convictions. The New York Post reported that Adams had stolen $130,000 from Hawaiian banks and a $5,000 ring from Costco. Prior to this, Adams had served a 7-year sentence in San Diego for accumulating over $3 million in debt using his parents’ identities.
Adams’ arrest also connects him to a previous investigation by the FBI. In June 2022, the bureau sought to question Adams regarding the disappearance and presumed death of his girlfriend, Raquel Sabean, in Mexico. Adams had entered the U.S. using an alias after being detained and questioned in Mexico. Human remains believed to be those of Sabean were found inside a vehicle she was known to drive. The couple had a 7-month-old child together, who was reported missing but later found safe in Mexico.
Reports describe Adams as a “master of disguise” with a long history of criminal activities. In 2009, he created fake businesses and used fraudulent checks to deposit large sums of money into accounts at Hawaiian banks. Adams also assumed different aliases, including Kevin Kennedy, Lance Irwin, and Michael Whittman, posing as students at the University of Hawaii law school.
The arrest and impending extradition of Tyler Adams highlight the efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring fugitives to justice. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation between federal authorities and state governments in pursuing criminals across state lines.
