A Vancouver man is accused of attacking another man with a piece of firewood and breaking his jaw.
Manoa V. Motuliki, 32, made his first appearance Friday in Clark County Superior Court on suspicion of first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, possession of a stolen firearm and second-degree possession of stolen property.
Judge Barbara Johnson set a no-bail hold for Motuliki because he is currently serving a sentence for a burglary conviction from last summer.
Arraignment was set for Jan. 13.
The charges relate to an incident April 11 in which Motuliki allegedly beat Troy David, 42, in the head at David’s home in the 12300 block of Northeast 17th Circle, according to court documents. Prosecutors allege that Motuliki’s attack with a piece of firewood broke David’s jaw, knocked out his teeth and fractured his cheek. The victim also required stitches.
The victim told police Motuliki had threatened that he would “finish him off,” according to court documents.
Court papers show David and Motuliki knew of each other; David had reportedly stolen a firearm from Motuliki before the attack.
Witnesses reported seeing Motuliki leave David’s house with two firearms. He allegedly placed them in his red Toyota Camry before leaving, according to court documents.
The Camry was stopped later that day by a Vancouver police officer, who performed a search (after obtaining a warrant) and found an allegedly stolen debit card as well as the guns.
The officer also found a computer, a credit card and suitcase, according to court documents. Prosecutors allege these items were stolen from other people.
David later identified Motuliki in a photo montage, according to court documents.
Laura McVicker: www.twitter.com/col_courts; www.facebook.com/reportermcvicker; laura.mcvicker@columbian.com; 360-735-4516.
