Mugshot of Bernadette Jiminez. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — St. Croix resident Bernadette Jiminez was arrested on Friday, May 12 for allegedly assaulting a minor family member and driving off with the child on the roof of her vehicle, according to the V.I. Police Department. The arrest followed reports of a domestic disturbance at the Croixville Housing Apartments.
Upon arrival, police officers were met by a minor who claimed she had been assaulted by Jiminez, a family member. According to the victim's report, a verbal dispute with Jiminez escalated to physical violence, ultimately spilling outside their residence.
The argument took an even more dangerous turn when Jiminez allegedly threatened the minor with a knife, according to the police report. In an attempt to retrieve her confiscated phone, the child laid on the car's roof, pleading with Jiminez.
Ignoring the minor's pleas, Jiminez reportedly entered the vehicle, biting the minor's hand in the process. She is then accused of recklessly driving away with the child still on the roof of the car.
When questioned by police, Jiminez reportedly admitted to the assault. She was immediately taken into custody and has been charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, and simple assault and battery — all classified as domestic violence crimes.
Jiminez was held over the weekend at the John Bell Correctional facility. She is scheduled to attend her advice of rights hearing on Monday.
