A St. Croix man was arrested after police said he strangled a minor during a domestic assault in Grove Place on Aug. 28.
According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, the 911 Emergency Call Center received the report at about 3:31 p.m. Officers from the Domestic Violence Unit and the Criminal Investigation Bureau responded and made contact with the victim, who said 54-year-old Kendell Smith, an adult family member, strangled her. The victim sustained injuries, and a witness also told police that Smith assaulted the minor.
Police said Smith was advised of his Miranda Rights and placed under arrest for assault in the second degree and simple assault and battery. Because the charges are classified as domestic violence, no bail was set until a judge reviews the case.
Smith was booked, processed, and taken to the John Bell Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending his Advice of Rights hearing, according to the release.
