A 53-year-old Hilo man foiled an attempt in broad daylight Sunday to steal his car from a bank parking lot, but sustained a fat lip and a damaged car door in the process, according to court documents filed by police.
A 53-year-old Hilo man foiled an attempt in broad daylight Sunday to steal his car from a bank parking lot, but sustained a fat lip and a damaged car door in the process, according to court documents filed by police.
Documents state Walter Manuia told officers he parked in front of the ATM at American Savings Bank on Pauahi Street at about 11:45 a.m. and left the vehicle unlocked with the key in the ignition.
Manuia reported he heard the car’s engine start while using the ATM and saw a man in the driver’s seat. Manuia went back and tried to open the door as the alleged would-be car thief was trying to reverse. A struggle ensued, according to documents.
Manuia told police the man struggled with the door, punched Manuia in the mouth and ran away.
The victim declined treatment for a bruised lip, according to police. Damage to the vehicle was about $700, documents state.
According to documents, Manuia told police he searched the area for the suspect, and 40-year-old Dominic Simon Freitas was arrested shortly before noon near the Ben Franklin Crafts store on Kilauea Avenue.
Freitas was charged Monday with second-degree robbery, unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle, third-degree assault and third-degree criminal property damage. His bail was set at $38,000.
During Freitas’ initial court appearance Tuesday, Hilo District Judge Andrew Wilson told Deputy Public Defender Isaac Ickes that Freitas’ bail study lists 13 convictions for contempt of court.
“So, you can argue for release, but unless there is something startling, I think the court will probably …,” the judge said.
“Your Honor, we are arguing for supervised release on behalf of Mr. Freitas this afternoon,” Ickes interjected, and told the judge Freitas lives in Hawaiian Paradise Park and said he’s a “self-employed landscaper.” That contradicts a police press release and court documents describing Freitas as having no permanent address, while court documents list him as unemployed.
Deputy Prosecutor Glenn Shiigi noted Freitas’ last conviction for contempt of court was Oct. 20, and a 10-day jail sentence was imposed with credit for time served.
Wilson maintained Freitas’ bail and set a preliminary hearing for 2 p.m. today.
If convicted on the robbery charge, Freitas faces a possible 10 years in prison. Court records state he was sentenced in 2006 to five years on numerous charges including burglary, accomplice to burglary, theft and assault.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
