Mugsnot of Vernon Jones Jr. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — Police have charged a man with multiple offenses including third-degree assault after he allegedly attacked his mother and threatened her with a knife.
Vernon Jones Jr. was arrested on Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported disturbance in progress. The alleged victim, Jones's mother stated that she came home to talk to her son about a Facebook post but he pushed her using both hands and she retaliated by doing the same. Jones then allegedly struck her with the inner crook of his arm, pulling her down to the ground and causing her to hit her head on the floor. The woman recounted that while on the ground Jones allegedly began to put her in a headlock but she could still breathe. A relative intervened and separated mother and son and the woman then walked outside.
However, according to the woman’s account, her son followed her outside brandishing a knife and hurling threats at her. He allegedly stated, “I gon lay you out” and “come here and fight me.” Jones then threw the knife on the ground and his mother went back inside the house, locking the door while she called for police assistance.
When the responding officers attempted to interview Jones, he fled the scene on foot, escaping over the fence of the property. Two officers pursued him and he was eventually located and detained.
Before he was remanded to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility, Jones received medical attention for minor injuries sustained while jumping over the fence. He appeared for a hearing on Wednesday where the judge set bail at $15,000. To secure his release, Jones must post 10 percent of the sum plus $1 and sign an unsecured bond for the remainder. The bond must also be signed by his court-approved third-party custodian.
