A Keolu Hills man was charged yesterday with allegedly punching and biting a police officer.

Garret J. Higa, 46, of a Kamahele Street address is accused of first-degree assault on a police officer and fourth-degree criminal property damage. He is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail pending an initial appearance tomorrow at District Court.

Higa also has an outstanding $250 warrant.

The alleged attack occurred Thursday while Higa was being questioned by the officer for allegedly damaging a mailbox. The complaint alleges the officer was punched in the head and bitten on the bicep during an ensuing struggle with the suspect.

Higa was arrested at 10:52 a.m. on the 700 block of Akumu Street in Keolu Hills.