Man charged with attempted murder

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The woman did not require medical attention for the injuries she received during the struggle with York.

A South Kona man who set himself on fire and allegedly attempted to do the same to his ex-girlfriend has been charged with attempted murder and six other offenses.

Robert York, 27, of Honaunau was charged Thursday with second-degree attempted murder, kidnapping, first-degree terroristic threatening, first-degree arson, criminal trespassing and two counts of abuse of a family/household member.

His bail was set at $66,250 and his initial court appearance was Friday morning.

Police initially arrested York on suspicion of abuse, terroristic threatening and arson. Detectives revised the charges after consultation with county prosecutors.

The charges stemmed from an incident early Tuesday morning on Tobacco Road in Honaunau. York reportedly set fire to the front porch of his ex-girlfriend’s house and then doused her and himself with a flammable liquid and attempted to set them both on fire. After the woman’s relatives pulled York away from her, York allegedly set himself on fire.

Police arrested York Wednesday when he was released from Kona Community Hospital.

The woman did not require medical attention for the injuries she received during the struggle with York.