ST. CROIX — A family dispute over internet service escalated into violence last month, leading to the arrest of a St. Croix woman accused of spraying her aunt in the face with insecticide and later throwing a plastic chair during the confrontation. The incident, reported to police as a domestic violence assault, occurred on November 22 at a Christiansted residence.

According to police, officers responding to the home met a woman who complained of sharp pains in her eyes, which they observed were reddened. She told officers that her younger relative, Chrismel Berra, had sprayed her directly in the face with a can of insecticide (a can of Raid). The woman said she had awakened to discover her Wi-Fi service was not working, an issue she had experienced for several days. She said she decided to turn off the equipment, go onto the roof, and adjust the antenna.

She told police that while she was in her room getting dressed, Berra came out of her room, turned the equipment back on, used profanity, and threatened to wake the household. When she asked  Berra why she had turned the Wi-Fi back on, the younger woman allegedly threatened to slap her, sparking a verbal argument. Another relative attempted to separate them, but the woman reported that Berra eventually retrieved a can of insecticide from a television stand and sprayed her in the eyes, face, and mouth.

The woman said she struggled to breathe for several seconds and went outside for air. She reported that Berra continued yelling and threatened to kill members of the household before being removed from the residence. The victim then called police for assistance.

While waiting for officers to arrive, the woman said Berra returned with a green plastic chair and threw it at her, hitting her in the chest. Another relative, Berra’s grandmother, then restrained her. Berra reportedly went on to threaten to puncture a family member’s vehicle with a knife she was holding.

Officers also interviewed another family member in the home, who corroborated the woman’s account. Police were unable to locate Ms. Berra on the day of the incident. She later contacted officers on December 1 and agreed to meet them the following day.

When Ms. Berra arrived at the Wilbur H. Francis Command precinct, she reportedly admitted spraying her relative with insecticide but denied making death threats or striking anyone with the chair. Officers then arrested her and charged her with second-degree assault and simple assault and battery, both as domestic violence offenses. She was also charged with disturbance of the peace and remanded into custody pending her court appearance.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross found probable cause to uphold the charges and set bail at $50,000. Berra will be allowed to post $100 in cash, with the remainder posted as an unsecured bond. Her next court date is set for December 17.