Puna man charged in ʻĀinaloa incident during which he apparently choked family or household member with minor present

A 43-year-old Puna man was arrested and charged with felony abuse and other offenses in connection with a domestic incident Jan. 6 during which he apparently choked a family or household member in front of a minor at an ʻĀinaloa residence.

Curtis Mamone Jr. also allegedly broke free from a Hawaiʻi Police Department officer’s grasp after being taken into custody and attempted to flee on foot, leading police on a brief foot pursuit before being apprehended again.

The Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney says Mamone is charged with:

• Felony abuse of a family or household member (physical abuse by choking).
• Felony abuse of a family or household member (physical abuse in the presence of a minor).
• Third-degree promoting a dangerous drug (possession of methamphetamine).
• Second-degree escape.

Mamone made his initial court appearance Tuesday in Hilo District Court.

The court found probable cause for the offenses and maintained Mamone’s bail at $80,000 during a preliminary hearing Thursday. He was ordered to appear Jan. 22 in Hilo Circuit Court for arraignment.

Felony abuse, third-degree promoting a dangerous drug and second-degree escape are Class C felonies, each punishable by either 5 years in prison or 4 or 5 years probation (specifically felony abuse) and up to 12 months in jail.