Man is held after his girlfriend is set on fire
Firefighters called police after doubting the suspect's story
Police arrested a 50-year-old man after he allegedly doused his girlfriend with gasoline and set her on fire at his home in Honokai Hale.
The call initially came in as a fire at 6:10 a.m. Thursday at 92-391 Waiomea St. Firefighters responded and extinguished the fire at 6:24 a.m.
Damage to the home was estimated at $65,000.
During inspection, fire investigators determined that the suspect's story did not match the evidence. Detectives were called to investigate.
The suspect's girlfriend, 51, told police she had been in an argument with the suspect over money, and he left the bedroom and returned a short time later. Police said he poured gasoline on his girlfriend and set her on fire.
The victim was taken to Straub Clinic and Hospital in critical condition with severe burns to more than 40 percent of her body.
Police said she suffered second-degree burns to her face and chest. She has since been upgraded to stable condition.
The suspect was treated for burns to his hands.
The 50-year-old man was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson and second-degree attempted murder. Each offense is considered a Class A felony carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Charges are being sought.
Police said the suspect has a history of two misdemeanors: third-degree assault involving a woman and violation of a temporary restraining order.
It is not known who filed the protective order, said Capt. Frank Fujii, spokesman for the Honolulu Police Department, at a news briefing yesterday.