Hilo man charged after hitting pregnant girlfriend and 2-year-old with 16-month-old present

Chezare Christopher Torres of Hilo was arrested and charged this week for a May 20 domestic incident in which he allegedly struck his pregnant girlfriend multiple times in the face, and hit his 2-year-old several times with a baseball cap, according to Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

Police reports said 43-year-old Torres caused bruising and swelling to the bridge of the nose of his 29-year-old girlfriend at their home on Lehua Street in Hilo. The 2-year-old had redness and swelling to his right arm and forehead. The couple’s 16-month-old was also present during the incident.

Police obtained a warrant of arrest and Torres was arrested on May 28. 

Torres made his initial appearance on June 2 with the Hilo Circuit Court maintaining his bail at $85,000. The court ordered him to appear for a further proceedings hearing on Sept. 2. 

Torres is charged with felony abuse of a family or household member because a minor under 14 was present and because the abuse included impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck. He also was charged with misdemeanor abuse, second degree terroristic threatening and second degree unlawful Imprisonment.  

Felony abuse is a class C felony offense that carries a penalty of either a 5-year prison term or five years probation and up to one year in jail.  

Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.