Kona judge reduces bail for suspect facing burglary, domestic abuse charges in 2 separate cases

A Kailua-Kona man is facing several charges following two separate incidents where he is accused of physically assaulting a woman in January and burglarizing a retail store last week, stealing $50,000 in sporting goods.

Kristopher Zabriskie, 44, appeared in Kona District Court on Tuesday for the two cases. While bail was initially set at $67,000 for the two cases, District Court Judge Kimberly Tsuchiya reduced bail to $1,100.

In the first case, Zabriskie is charged with abuse of a family or household member and fourth-degree theft following an incident that occurred on Jan. 10. According to Hawai‘i Island police, officers received a report alleging that Zabriskie went to the residence of an adult female acquaintance in Kailua-Kona, where he physically assaulted her following an argument and removed her cellphone without permission.

Zabriskie fled the area before officers’ arrival, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

During the court hearing on Tuesday, Tsuchiya ordered the defendant to appear for an entry of plea on Feb. 20.

The second case Zabriskie appeared for occurred on Feb. 4, where he was charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal property damage and first-degree theft.

According to police, officers responded to a report of a burglary at a retail store in the 75-5000 block of Kopiko Street in Kailua-Kona, where someone broke into the business overnight and took $50,000 in sporting goods.

Through the course of the investigation, officers identified Zabriskie as the primary suspect in the burglary. Later that afternoon, Kona patrol officers found the 44-year-old near an apartment complex in Kailua-Kona.

Following a brief foot pursuit, Zabriskie was taken into custody without further incident.

During Tuesday’s hearing in the case, Zabriskie was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed either incident or who may have additional information to contact Detective Jeremiah Hull of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at 808-326-4646, extension 224, or email at jeremiah.hull@hawaiipolice.gov.