A California couple climbed a Hawaiian volcano to escape an armed carjacker who “pointed a gun at them,” police said.
The shocking incident, involving a 29-year-old female and a 31-year-old male victim, occurred on June 4 on Piilani Highway in Maui while the pair were driving a rented Ford Mustang, Maui Police said in a statement.
“While they were driving, a Toyota Tacoma with its headlights off began chasing them, and they passed it,” police said. “Shortly thereafter, the Tacoma stopped in the road and the male driver exited the vehicle, pointed a gun at the victim, and ordered him to exit the vehicle and walk away.”
“The male suspect drove off in the stolen Mustang and the couple began to walk, but hid behind bushes and rocks on the side of the road when the male stopped the Mustang and began driving towards them,” police continued. “The male reportedly returned to the scene and called out to the victims, asking if they wanted their car back. He continued to call out and search for the victims, during which he fired at least one shot from his handgun, causing the couple to believe they were being shot.”
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Suspect Christopher Helmer (left) with the summit of Mount Haleakala in Hawaii. (Maui Police Department/Ted Socchi/Corbis via Getty Images)
Police said the couple then emerged from their hiding place and began hiking toward the summit of Haleakala volcano.
“Eventually, approximately 24 hours later, the couple made it to the visitor center with the help of a group of hikers and park rangers before reaching the summit,” Maui police said.
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The 10,000-foot rocky summit of Mount Haleakala on the island of Maui. (Ted Sokhi/Corbis via Getty Images)
The carjacking suspect, identified as 35-year-old Christopher Helmer, was taken into custody without incident four days later, police said.
“At the time of his arrest, Helmer was driving a stolen Mustang and was in possession of a loaded firearm,” police added. “Further investigation following his arrest uncovered additional evidence linking Helmer to the robbery and the Tacoma, which was determined to be stolen, was also recovered.”
Haleakala National Park spans five different climate zones. (Sergi Reboredo/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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Helmer is currently being held on $500,000 bail on charges including robbery and carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on a public highway.
Fox News’ Stephanie Price contributed to this report.
