Mugshot of Deon Clendinen. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Police have charged a man accused of viciously assaulting another individual with a machete.
Deon Clendinen was arrested following a brutal attack which took place in a motel in Contant in the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to the probable cause fact sheet, police found the victim with severe injuries to his head and neck area. He was transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center's emergency room for medical attention.
The fact sheet states that based on a description of the alleged attacker, police were able to identify the suspect as Deon Clendinen, also known as PJ. Police conducted several inspections during the day in an effort to locate the suspect. During follow-up investigations at the crime scene, they were informed by other individuals at the motel that Clendinen was “acting crazy” before assaulting the victim. He was subsequently located in an abandoned room at the motel and taken into custody. In the room, police also discovered the machete used in the gruesome attack.
Clendinen was charged with first-degree and third-degree assault, mayhem and carrying or using a dangerous weapon. His bail was initially set at $75,000 and when he appeared for an advisement hearing on Wednesday, the judge did not grant him a 10 percent provision. She explained that this was based on the nature of the charges as well as his prior exposure to the criminal justice system. The court has also deemed him a flight risk. The judge explained that the court will consider modifying the bail conditions if the defendant can identify a suitable third-party custodian.
If released he will be required to maintain a 50-foot distance from the victim at all times. The judge further ordered that Clendinen must be seen by a treating psychiatrist while at the Bureau of Corrections. The court will request a report within 45 days and if released, the defendant must immediately report to the Department of Health for follow-ups.
Advertisements
