A man is to appear in Kona District Court today on auto theft and other charges stemming from an attempted traffic stop and car chase last week.

Hawaii County police said an officer on routine patrol Wednesday noticed a sedan being driven by a man who the officer knew did not have a valid driver’s license. After confirming with police dispatchers that the motorist was unlicensed, the officer attempted to make a traffic stop using his lights and siren. 

The driver sped away, recklessly passing other motorists, police said. The officer discontinued the pursuit for the safety of the public but continued to search for the vehicle and was able to locate it  at the intersection of Kiloa and Kinue roads. It was stopped and unoccupied with the driver door ajar and the engine idling. The car had been reported stolen earlier that afternoon. 

An all-points bulletin was issued for the driver, 28-year-old Matthew Guba of Kailua-Kona. 

At 11:45 p.m. Saturday, an officer located Guba in Kailua-Kona and arrested him. He was taken to the Kona police cellblock. 

At 11:30 a.m. today, Guba was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, resisting an order to stop, driving without a license and reckless driving. His bail was set at $13,000. He remained at the cellblock.