The VIPD has not yet released a mugshot of the suspect. This story will be updated if one is provided.
ST. THOMAS — A woman who called police to report that her ex-boyfriend had broken her windshield was arrested instead after officers reviewed surveillance footage and said the video showed her vehicle striking him in a parking lot.
Laysha Pagen called for police assistance on Tuesday morning, telling officers that her ex-boyfriend had broken her windshield.
Responding officers were told that Ms. Pagen had been dropping him to work earlier that morning when he hit her vehicle with his backpack after getting out of the car, damaging the front windshield.
Her ex-boyfriend gave police a different account. He said Ms. Pagen became upset during the drive and, after he exited the vehicle, rammed it into him. He told police that he threw the backpack in response.
Officers then reviewed surveillance footage from the area. They observed a Mitsubishi Lancer pull into the parking lot and watched as the man got out of the car and began walking away. According to police, the footage showed Ms. Pagen accelerating the vehicle toward him and striking his leg with the front bumper.
As the car made contact, the man threw the backpack, which struck and broke Ms. Pagen’s windshield, police said. Officers also saw the two appear to exchange words before the man walked away toward the building, with Ms. Pagen following in her car.
The collision did not result in any injuries to the man. Ms. Pagen was nevertheless arrested and charged with third-degree assault as a crime of domestic violence and possessing a dangerous weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She was remanded into custody while awaiting her advice of rights hearing.
In court on Wednesday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold the charges against Ms. Pagen. Bail was set at $15,000, with 15 percent payable in cash and the balance signed as an unsecured bond.
Once released from detention, Ms. Pagen will be required to report to the probation office twice each week by telephone and comply with the other standard bail conditions imposed.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 24.
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