Homeless man’s alleged attacker pleads not guilty

A 35-year-old Pahoa man accused of attacking at least two homeless men in separate incidents made his first appearance in court Thursday.

Christopher Mohrlang, also known as Chris Mohr, pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault. He appeared sullen at his arraignment hearing beside attorney Stanton Oshiro.

Hilo District Judge Harry Freitas set Mohrlang’s pretrial conference for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 25.

Mohrlang’s charges stem from an early morning June 7 incident in which he allegedly attacked John Hartley, 57, who uses a wheelchair and has no permanent address. Mohrlang allegedly poured ice water on a sleeping Hartley, “maced” him and punched him in the face multiple times.

At least part of that attack was caught on surveillance video, igniting public uproar and spurring Mohrlang to eventually turn himself in.

On Thursday, Hartley said he was pleased to see the alleged attacker being held accountable. He previously said he wants to pursue litigation against Mohrlang, and on Thursday said those plans remain.

“One day, he will be held accountable,” Hartley said. “The ball is rolling, and it’s going to roll faster. I ain’t finished with this yet. I’m just in the beginning stages of this.”

Mohrlang is facing separate assault charges for allegedly attacking another homeless man last year. On Sept. 23, Mohrlang allegedly punched and kicked 61-year-old Kevin Jenkins, who had no permanent address at the time of the alleged assault.

Mohrlang is set to appear in Hilo District Court for that incident at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.