Bail set at $75K for man facing assault charges
WAILUKU — A 37-yearold man was arrested Sunday for allegedly assaulting a woman, who was hospitalized with a possible skull fracture and other injuries.
Daniel Opupele was charged with first-degree sexual assault, resisting arrest, first-degree assault and third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.
During Opupele’s initial appearance Tuesday in Wailuku District Court, Deputy Prosecutor Iwalani Gasmen asked for bail to be increased from $15,200 to $75,000 for Opupele.
“The defendant’s behavior indicates he poses a serious danger to the community,” she said.
She said Opupele allegedly made sexual advances toward a 34-year-old Kahului woman under a tree in the field next to the Shell gas station on Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului and she refused by pushing his hand away.
The woman also was punched in the head, suffering a subdural hematoma and possible skull fracture, Gasmen said.
She said a witness called 911 after reportedly seeing Opupele sexually assault and kick the woman.
“She was running away,” Gasmen said. “She was staggering, trying to walk toward the Shell gas station and he tackled her.”
Medics transported the woman to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where she was later transferred out of the intensive-care unit and was in stable condition, Gasmen said.
She said Opupele is unemployed and homeless and is on probation for first-degree assault against a law enforcement officer, second-degree criminal property damage and attempted second-degree assault against a law enforcement officer.
He also has five convictions for contempt of court and one for failure to appear, Gasmen said.
Deputy Public Defender Andres Tobar opposed an increase in bail for Opupele.
Judge Chris Dunn granted the prosecution’s request to increase bail to $75,000, taking into consideration the allegations of felony crimes of violence, as well as Opupele’s criminal history.
“The court finds that Mr. Opupele is both a flight risk and poses a danger to the community,” Dunn said.
Opupele was ordered to have no contact with the woman and to stay away from her residence. He also was ordered not to consume illegal drugs or alcohol.
Opupele was found with more than 6 grams of marijuana when he was arrested, Gasmen said.