KAILUA, Kona, Hawai'i — A 59-year-old Big Island man has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly tried to strangle his wife with a belt.

John Reece was arrested Wednesday night after police responded to a report of an argument at a Haoa Street residence in Kailua, Kona. Reece reportedly wrapped a belt around the 50-year-old woman's neck before neighbors heard her screams and came to her assistance, police said.

Reece was charged yesterday with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree terroristic threatening and felony abuse of a family/household member. His bail was set at $22,000.