Schofield soldier charged in Waikiki stabbing

The 23-year-old Schofield Barracks soldier, who was charged Wednesday with attempted murder in the stabbing Sunday of a woman in a Waikiki stairwell, had tried to make a date with the woman, a witness told police.

Prosecutors charged Pvt. Solomon D.M. Battle today with second-degree attempted murder.

Battle allegedly stabbed the woman multiple times in her face and body at the Waikiki Town Center, 2301 Kuhio Ave. 

Police said she was taken in critical condition to the Queen’s Medical Center.

However, the Emergency Medical Services reported she was taken in serious condition to the hospital.

Battle made his initial appearance in Honolulu District Court Wednesday morning. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail, which was confirmed at the court hearing.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Police said witnesses had been seen the two walking together in Waikiki sometime before 3:24 a.m. Sunday.

The victim is described as being in her early-to-mid-20s. Witnesses heard the woman scream and saw a man flee from a stairwell.

According to a female witness, Battle had earlier tried to make a date with the victim.

She told police that the victim identified Battle as her assailant.

The witness also identified Battle as having run from the stabbing scene covered in blood.

Police found Battle hiding inside a women’s restroom stall standing on a toilet seat at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel, according to a police affidavit of charging documents.

Battle’s hands were covered in blood, the police affidavit said.

During a pat-down, police also recovered a bloody knife from Battle’s front pants pocket, the affidavit said.