Bail Now at $400,000 for Man Accused of Attempted Murder

Bail for a Puna man accused of trying to kill a police officer has been reset at a high amount.

When Joseph Feliciano made his initial court appearance on Monday, probable-cause documents known as Riverside affidavits were missing for five of the seven counts for which he was charged.

As a result, Judge Harry Freitas told prosecutors that his bail would have to be reduced from $558,000 to $25,000, and a new bail hearing was scheduled for Thursday.

However, because of a temporary lockdown at Hawaii Community Correctional Center, Feliciano’s lawyer was unable to meet with him on Wednesday to discuss the case. As a result, Feliciano agreed to waive his right to a bail hearing within 48 hours.

In the meantime, the missing documents were located and Feliciano’s bail was increased to $400,000, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rick Damerville said today.

A preliminary hearing was set for Jan. 14 at Hilo District Court.

Feliciano, 58, remained in custody today at HCCC.

Feliciano is accused of using a machete to trying to kill one of two police officers who had arrived at his Orchidland Estates home on Dec. 19 in response to a report of a disturbance.

Feliciano’s son told police that he believed his father was trying to commit suicide by cop.

Two of the charges stem from a domestic incident involving Feliciano’s girlfriend the day before.

Attempted murder of a police officer carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.