USVI Man Charged With Domestic Violence
A United States Virgin Islands man has been arrested and charged with multiple domestic violence offenses following an alleged violent assault against his wife. The victim told police that her husband choked, punched, and threatened to kill her during an argument at their residence. The suspect was later apprehended by law enforcement and appeared before a magistrate judge.
A man in the neighbouring United States Virgin Islands has been taken into police custody and charged with multiple domestic violence offences after allegedly attacking his wife during a dispute at their home. According to police reports, Wayne Gonzales was arrested on Friday, October 9, following an emergency 911 call placed by his wife the previous evening.
Responding officers discovered the woman locked inside the residence, fearful that her husband might still be on the premises. After law enforcement confirmed that the suspect had fled the scene, emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation.
While receiving care in the emergency room, the woman explained to investigators that the violent encounter began over a minor household disagreement. She stated that she had asked her husband to step outside the kitchen before sneezing while she was eating dinner. The request reportedly angered Gonzales, who approached her aggressively, stood over her, and issued verbal threats to end her life.
The altercation escalated into physical violence when Gonzales allegedly struck the woman multiple times. The confrontation moved to the couch, where Gonzales positioned himself on top of her and began choking her, severely restricting her ability to breathe. In an effort to defend herself, the woman managed to place her arm around his neck in a chokehold while he continued punching her in the face.
She eventually negotiated her release by agreeing to let go if he ceased the attack. Once freed, Gonzales left the residence, allowing the victim to secure the doors and contact emergency services. The victim also informed investigators that this was not an isolated incident, noting that her husband's temperament had grown increasingly aggressive following past health complications and missed medications.
Police subsequently located Gonzales at a relative's home, where he was detained. Although he denied that any physical altercation took place, authorities formally charged him with second-degree assault, simple assault and battery, and disturbing the peace by fighting, all classified as domestic violence crimes.
Gonzales later appeared before Magistrate Judge Christopher Timmons for an advice-of-rights hearing.
Primary source: VINO