Mugshot of Ronald G. Bailey. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — An allegedly drunken man punched a family member in the face repeatedly after screaming and cursing at the family member, telling him to leave the property. Two witnesses to the incident gave strikingly different accounts.
Ronald G. Bailey appeared before Magistrate Judge Ernest E. Morris, Jr. via teleconference from the Bureau of Corrections on Monday, Aug. 23 for his advisement hearing.
Bailey was charged with simple assault and battery as an act of domestic violence and disturbance of the peace.
According to the probable cause fact sheet, at about 10:00 am on Sunday, August 22, an adult male took his dog for a walk. His dog began fighting with his mother’s dog. Once the dogs separated, Bailey came outside screaming and cursing at the male victim telling him that he can’t take it anymore and that he needs to leave the property. The victim told police that Bailey was drunk and threw a ceramic bowl after him, which ricocheted and struck him on his arms.
The victim said he attempted to run away from Bailey but was intercepted by a hand to the chest. Bailey then proceeded to punch the victim on the right side of his face, causing injuries. The victim’s girlfriend told police that she witnessed Bailey punching the victim to the face about three times. The victim eventually got away from Bailey and called 911, the fact sheet said.
Differing Witness Account
According to the victim’s mother's account of the incident in the fact sheet, she approached her son to find out why the dogs were fighting. The victim responded violently by cursing at her, throwing dishes around the house, and ramming his face into a column several times, she said. She told police that Bailey did not strike the victim and that his injuries were self-inflicted.
Officer Jaleesa Gonzalez, the officer who wrote the probable cause fact sheet, observed that the victim’s cheekbone was swollen and slightly red. He also had a scratch on the back of his right hand. Photographs of the injuries were taken by VIPD. The victim declined medical attention.
Judge Morris ruled on the following release conditions: Bailey must post $1,000 in cash bail. He must have no direct or indirect contact with any victims or witnesses in this matter.
