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Oahu grand jury indicts man for allegedly lighting 79-year-old victim’s clothes on fire

COURTESY CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
                                Charles Burns

COURTESY CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

Charles Burns

A 29-year-old man today was indicted by an Oahu grand jury on two felony counts after allegedly lighting a 79-year-old man’s clothing on fire in Chinatown.

Charles Burns is in custody at the Oahu Community Correctional Center on a $500,000 bail after allegedly approaching the victim from behind and lighting his clothes on fire, which led to burns on the victim’s body.

Burns was indicted and charged with first-degree arson and third-degree promoting a dangerous drug.

“Those who victimize our kupuna will be vigorously prosecuted,” Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said in a statement. “This brazen and heinous attack cannot go unpunished and we will be seeking the maximum prison term for Burns if he is convicted.”

The arson charge can result in a maximum 20 years in prison, while the drug charge carries a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment.

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