Mugshot of Brandon Wilson. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — A man accused of assaulting his girlfriend outside a Christiansted bar after she got into his vehicle following work hours is now facing domestic violence charges, according to police, following an incident that authorities say escalated from a verbal confrontation into a physical altercation that left the woman injured.
Police were called to a Christiansted bar on the night of February 5 to investigate a reported domestic violence assault. Upon arrival, officers met with a woman who told them she had been attacked by Brandon Wilson after she entered his vehicle at the end of her work shift.
According to the woman, she had been working at the bar earlier that evening when her employer informed her the business would be closing early. She said she contacted Wilson, with whom she had been in an intimate relationship, and asked him to pick up her children and take them home. She said he agreed.
After closing the bar, the woman said she began to leave the premises. She reported that two male patrons she knew offered her a ride home, which she accepted. However, as she walked toward their vehicle, she noticed Mr. Wilson parked nearby. She told the two men that her boyfriend was present and walked over to his vehicle instead.
Once inside, the woman told police that Wilson immediately began cursing at her and raising his hands near her face, questioning her about the two men. When she asked about the children, she said Wilson told her they were not ready yet. As she attempted to call the children’s caretaker, she reported that Wilson grabbed the phone from her hands, breaking several of her nails. She told officers that he then began punching her on the side of her head, prompting her to try to defend herself.
During the altercation, the woman said Wilson’s chain broke, which further angered him. She reported that she exited the vehicle and attempted to flee, but Wilson caught up with her and placed her in a chokehold from behind. As he tightened his grip, she said she feared she would lose consciousness. The two fell to the ground, and she said Wilson released his hold. At that point, she reported seeing her boss approaching and screamed for them to call the police.
Officers observed a bruise on the left side of the woman’s face, which appeared to be bleeding. Police also noted scratches and redness on her neck, left arm, and left leg. The woman told officers that she had previously been assaulted by Wilson, but said this was the first time she had been injured.
Wilson, for his part, accused the woman of initiating both the verbal and physical confrontation. He reportedly admitted to grabbing her phone, acknowledged that a “scuffle” occurred, and said he held her in a bear hug from behind. He denied raising his hands to her and said he did not know how she sustained her injuries.
Wilson was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and simple assault and battery, both classified as crimes of domestic violence. He was remanded into custody pending his first court appearance before Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross on Monday.
At his advice of rights hearing, the court ordered Mr. Wilson released upon payment of $1,000 in cash, with the remaining portion of his $50,000 bail signed as an unsecured bond. While awaiting trial, he is required to remain at least 250 feet away from the alleged victim and comply with standard bail conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 25.
Advertisements
