WAILUKU » Bail for a homeless man charged with attempted murder has been increased to more than a half-million dollars.

The Maui News says 38-year-old Thomas Abraham is accused of assaulting a man in a restroom at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center last week. His bail was set at $511,000 on Monday when he made an initial appearance in Wailuku District Court.

According to police, the assault occurred Friday afternoon. Police say mall security officers intervened as Abraham was sitting on a 42-year-old man’s chest and choking him in the restroom. The man was attacked from behind, police say, with Abraham punching and using a pair of scissors to stab the victim in the back of the head.

The man was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment.