Mugshot of Rasissachar Peterson. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Bail has been set for a man accused of hitting a woman over the head, causing her to lose consciousness.
Rasissachar Peterson is charged with third-degree assault and using a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence. It is alleged that he hit the woman at an establishment at Four Winds Plaza in the early hours of Sunday, March 20. When police arrived on the scene they discovered that the victim had already been transported to the hospital via private vehicle. When they initially attempted to make contact with her they learned that she was sedated due to pain. They were, however, able to view surveillance footage of the incident which according to the probable cause fact sheet showed Peterson striking the victim on her head with a wooden pool stick. She reportedly received 9 staples to close a laceration to her head.
The alleged victim was interviewed by police on the morning of March 22nd and stated that she and her friends were walking in the hallway of the establishment when she bumped into Peterson. According to her statement, he allegedly shoved her and dashed a drink in her face, causing her to become extremely angry. She told police that a fight ensued and Peterson picked up a wooden billiard stick and cracked it over her head. She recounted feeling blood running down her face and recalled that she lost consciousness at some point between the assault and arriving at the hospital. According to the fact sheet, the woman told police that she had never met Peterson before. A wanted poster was put out on March 22nd and the accused turned himself into police on March 28th.
At his advisement hearing on Wednesday, Assistant V.I. Attorney General Brenda Scales requested that bail remain set at $25,000. The judge agreed to the bail figure but explained that Peterson would be released on the posting of 10 percent. He will reside with a relative who will serve as his court approved third party custodian and will be expected to maintain a 9pm to 6am daily curfew. The judge has also ordered Peterson to undergo mandatory anger management classes. During the hearing the court learned that this was his first arrest.
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