A 56-year-old man was arrested for assault after allegedly attacking another man with a glass bottle and making violent threats. Authorities are now working to locate a second suspect involved in the incident, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.
According to police, Jose Garcia was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Bureau and charged with third-degree assault and disturbance of the peace/threats. His bail was set at $25,000.
The victim reported that on Feb. 10, Garcia stood across the street from his residence and called out to the victim’s minor daughter. Garcia, described as an acquaintance of the girl’s mother, was intoxicated at the time, police said. When the victim instructed his daughter not to approach Garcia, the suspect allegedly became enraged, crossed the street with a glass bottle, and swung it at the victim.
Garcia then caused a loud disturbance and threatened to “shoot up” and burn down the victim’s residence with him inside, police said. He also called his adult son, who arrived moments later wielding a long knife and allegedly charged at the victim.
Eyewitness statements and video footage corroborated the victim’s account, police said.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to apprehend the second suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911, Detective Y. LoBlack of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, or the Office of the Police Chief at 340-774-2211. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-8477, crimestoppersvi.org, or p3tips.com.
