A 36-year-old Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate missing for more than a month was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder after he allegedly tried to run down two arresting officers.

John Luna was recognized by police officers at Keeaumoku Street and Kapiolani Boulevard as being a wanted escapee, police said. Luna tried to elude officers and tried to hit them with his car, police said.

The suspect hit a fixed object and was apprehended.

During the investigation Luna was found to be carrying illegal drugs, police said.

Luna was eligible for parole and was waiting for the parole board to set a release date when he failed to check in from furlough on Jan. 27, state prison officials said. He is serving time for burglary, robbery, unauthorized possession of confidential personal information and drug offenses.

Luna was in the extended furlough program and allowed to live outside the facility, but required to check in at various times throughout the month.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Police release murder suspect

A 72-year-old man suspected of shooting a 56-year-old man in a Kapoho subdivision earlier this week was released Wednesday afternoon pending further investigation, Hawaii County police reported.

The suspect arrested in the Kapoho Beach Lots subdivision on suspicion of second-degree murder Wednesday, had been held at the Hilo police cellblock until his release at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday.

The medical examiner determined that the victim, 56-year-old Bryan Lynn Thomas of Kapoho, died of gunshot wounds to the abdomen and chest.

Police ask anyone with any information about the shooting, which occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, to call the police department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Dean Uyetake at 961-2379 ordean.uyetake@hawaiicounty.gov.