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HPD captures escapee

By Kristine Uyeno - bio | email

KANEOHE (KHNL ) -- Honolulu Police capture a dangerous man, who escaped from the state hospital in Kaneohe yesterday.

And it's all thanks to the public's help.

They located Casey Nies at around 2:45 p.m.

Several people called police, after seeing him at a bus stop at Ahuimanu and Kahekili Highway.

In 2003, he was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder, after allegedly attacking a Maui police officer.

Even though, police have captured him, how do residents feel about having the state hospital in their backyard and this type of incident, happening again?

"We really don't see a whole lot of stuff happening around here," said Primo Ames, student at nearby Windward Community College. "I feel that we're pretty safe."

Although students we talked to say, they don't feel threatened by the close proximity of the hospital, it's something, they think about.

"If you have night classes I would be more scared than day classes, especially walking to your car, and there's not many cars in the parking lot," said Amanda Miles, student at WCC.

Within walking distance, is another neighborhood.

"Frightened for my kids because they go to school and they catch bus," said Sheri Naone, resident.

But others, feel differently.

"I never really given it much thought, I know it's there but I haven't seen or heard anything that's given me any concern," said Ken McCarthy.

Still, no matter what they think, they all agree, to be cautious.

"Keep your eyes and ears open, just report anything suspicious," said McCarthy.