Mugshot of Joseph Anthony Ramirez. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — A domestic disturbance at the Candido Guadalupe Housing Complex on Sunday escalated into a violent altercation, resulting in charges of attempted murder against Joseph Anthony Ramirez, a 37-year-old resident of the complex.
According to the V.I. Police Department, the incident began at approximately 2:33 p.m. when the 911 Emergency Call Center received reports of a domestic disturbance in building 7, apartment 85. Responding officers learned from the victim that her intimate partner, Ramirez, had damaged property in her apartment. As the initial officer investigated the situation, Ramirez entered the home and attacked the officer from behind, placing him in a chokehold and cutting off his air supply.
The victim, along with a good Samaritan, intervened to help the officer break free from Ramirez’s hold. The officer informed Ramirez that he was under arrest, but the suspect re-engaged, severely assaulting the officer further and causing a laceration above his eyelid. Ramirez again placed the officer in a chokehold before additional officers arrived to assist. First, a second officer came to the scene and was assaulted by Ramirez. Then, a third officer was sent to the location to eventually subdue Ramirez and place him under arrest, according to police.
Ramirez was charged with attempted murder and third-degree assault.
After being advised of his Miranda Rights, Ramirez was booked and transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility due to his inability to post the $100,000 bail. He remained incarcerated pending his Advice of Rights hearing, which took place on Tuesday. During the hearing, his bail was reduced to $10,000, with a 10 percent provision required for his release. A bail hearing is scheduled for today, May 15.
