St. Croix Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Domestic Abuse

Police officers arrested a St. Croix man for allegedly assaulting a female victim with his hands, a broomstick, and a cell phone, the V.I. Police Department reported.

A domestic violence investigation was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau Tuesday, which disclosed that the complainant reported that on Oct. 6, she was assaulted by Javier Rodriguez at her home, according to the police report.

She stated that Rodriguez made false accusations against her and then began hitting her on the head and face, as well as slapping her. Rodriguez then proceeded to assault her multiple times with a broomstick and a cell phone. He also placed both his hands around her throat, squeezing it until she gasped for air and threatened to kill her. The victim complained of pain in her throat, face, and the back and right side of her neck, the police report stated.

Members of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, along with members of the Special Operations Bureau, arrested Rodriguez, 42, at his home. He was charged with assault in the second degree (DV), simple assault and battery (DV), and disturbing the peace (fighting), the report stated.

He was booked, and no bail was set in this matter as per the Domestic Violence statute. He was subsequently transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, it said.