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.
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