The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau has arrested 32-year-old Jose Garcia Jr. in connection with an assault that occurred in the vicinity of Hospital Ground, St. Thomas.
Garcia Jr. was charged with third-degree assault, use of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime, and disturbance of the peace. His bail was set at $25,000, according to the police report.
The male victim told officers that on Monday, Feb. 10, he was involved in an altercation with Jose Garcia Sr., who allegedly made death threats and swung a glass bottle in an attempt to strike him. Garcia Sr. then reportedly called his son, Jose Garcia Jr., who arrived shortly after wielding a long knife and allegedly charged at the victim, the police report stated.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage corroborated the victim’s statement. Garcia Jr. admitted to possessing a knife during the incident, stating he used it to intimidate the victim, police said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding this case to contact 911, Detective Y. LoBlack, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, or the Office of the Police Chief at 340-774-2211. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), crimestoppersvi.org, or p3tips.com.
