Homeless man charged with copper theft

A 58-year-old homeless man who has a long list of convictions for car theft, burglary and robbery has been charged with stealing copper wiring from a state pier on Sand Island.

The preliminary hearing for Ernest R. Gusman III will be held in District Court on Thursday afternoon on a charge of stealing more than a pound of copper. Gusman is in custody, unable to post $50,000 bail. He also was being held on four contempt warrants with total bail of $4,750.

Police said the alleged theft occurred Saturday at 4 Sand Island Access Road.

The suspect was seen by a state Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officer removing copper from Pier 800, which had been condemned Friday, at Keehi Boat Harbor. The copper was allegedly taken by Gusman and stored on a boat near Pier 800.

Home robbery leaves soldier with burns

A Schofield Barracks soldier was robbed and suffered burns at his home on the Wahiawa base Monday, Army officials reported.

The soldier, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, told Army Criminal Investigation Command investigators that two men attacked him in the backyard of his home. Army officials said the crime was reported at 10:47 p.m.

Emergency Medical Services said the soldier was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center in serious condition with burns and other injuries.