The 44-year-old Kaneohe man who allegedly set his gasoline-soaked drinking buddy on fire Wednesday has a history of anger management problems and violence, according to court records.
In 2010 Joel Lonzaga violated a temporary restraining order filed by an ex-girlfriend who said he used a large rock to smash her car windshield, broke her car’s side mirrors, destroyed her laptop computer and kicked and punched in her front screen door, yelling to get into her house, according to protective orders filed in court.
"Every once in a while, he has a short fuse with his son or a neighbor," said Richard Richardson, who lives across the road from him. "I’m surprised he did that. He had no signs of being mentally ill."
On Wednesday, Lonzaga and his friend started drinking beer early in the day in the carport-turned-patio of his mother’s house, where he lives, neighbors said.
Police said an argument ensued between the pair at about 6:15 p.m. at the house at 45-1035-F Anoi Road, and Lonzaga allegedly dumped the contents of a plastic gasoline can on the other man’s head.
The 47-year-old man was heard saying, "What are you doing that for?" and that’s when Lonzaga’s mother came out, Richardson said.
The mother and Lonzaga’s cousin, who also lives there, tried to intervene, telling the man to leave, but Lonzaga got around them and, with a lighter, set the man on fire.
Lonzaga’s family and neighbors watched as the 47-year-old man burned.
Flames shot up four to five feet above the roof of the carport, said one neighbor, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation.
Police said the flames lasted for 30 to 45 seconds.
The mother and cousin "were trying to roll him on the ground and douse him with water" from a garden hose, Richardson said.
The 47-year-old victim was taken to Straub Clinic & Hospital in critical but stable condition, police said.
The mother and cousin helped detain Lonzaga before police arrived. He was taken to Castle Medical Center for reasons unclear.
Police arrested Lonzaga at 6:45 p.m. on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder, which carries a 20-year sentence, along with two felony drug offenses.
His cousin said Lonzaga had met the victim at a bar, but doesn’t know how close they were.
Police said his condition had not worsened as of Thursday morning.
Lonzaga remained at the main police station cellblock Thursday night and had not been charged as of 9 p.m.
