Police say the alleged victim ran from his house to where an 81-year-old lived.
The alleged then damaged property of the elderly man, pushing him in the chest before fleeing.
"Unable to force entry into the home the 40-year-old man ended up giving up," Constable Cornish said.
"He walked back home and police arrived a short time later. He was taken into custody and given the severity of the offences his bail was opposed."
Police attended a short time later and found the man at his home, he was soon arrested and remains in police custody.
He was later charged with four counts of wilful damage and one count each of trespass and seriously assaulting a person over 60.
He is scheduled to appear at the Cairns Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Get the latest breaking news from SCA newsrooms around Australia. Short, simple and everything you need to know.