Mugshot of Lee Thomas Sr. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — Lee Thomas Sr. has been arrested after police say an ongoing family dispute over a Cruz Bay home in probate escalated Sunday when he confronted his nephew with a machete, held the blade against the younger man’s neck and caused injuries to his hands when the nephew grabbed the weapon.
According to court documents, police were alerted to a disturbance at a Cruz Bay residence on St. John on Sunday afternoon. Responding officers found several people arguing outside the home and intervened to prevent the matter from escalating further.
Officers spoke with two women who said Thomas had arrived home after cutting grass and immediately confronted his nephew. According to the witnesses, Thomas used the machete he was holding to strike the wall for emphasis.
More than one witness accused Thomas of spitting on his nephew and verbally threatening him before holding the machete against the younger man’s neck. The nephew grabbed the blade to prevent himself from being cut, injuring his hands on the sharp edge, according to police. The two men were then separated, and police were called.
Officers learned that the incident was the latest in an ongoing family dispute over the home, which is currently being handled through probate proceedings. Police said some occupants of the residence have filed a restraining order against Thomas following previous alleged acts of harassment.
Thomas admitted to officers that he came home and confronted his nephew, using the machete to strike the wall. He denied using the weapon to intentionally attempt to chop or stab his nephew, but acknowledged that the younger man grabbed the blade at one point during the argument, causing the injuries to his hands.
Thomas insisted to police that his family members were trespassing on the property. He also told officers that he had left notes ordering the other family members to remove their belongings from the home.
Thomas was arrested and transported to the Richard Callwood Command police station on St. Thomas for processing. He was charged with third-degree assault, carrying or using a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence, and disturbance of the peace.
As of press time, public records of Monday’s advice of rights hearing for Thomas had not been made available. His arraignment has been scheduled for July 24.
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