What was supposed to be the start of trial for a man accused in a high-speed chase through Yigo has ended with a permanent dismissal. Superior Court Judge Alberto Tolentino dismissed all charges against 45-year-old Nathaniel James Diaz Punzalan after prosecutors failed to proceed when two key witnesses left the island.

The case included multiple felony charges—among them theft by receiving, firearm possession, and meth possession—as well as misdemeanors for eluding police and attempting to destroy evidence. With the jury already selected, the judge ruled that double-jeopardy protections applied, meaning the case cannot be refiled.

Defense attorney Peter Santos called the government’s failure to secure its witnesses “a serious lapse,” adding that “their actions have consequences.”

Punzalan, who faced up to 22 years in prison, is now free—and the case is permanently closed.