Man Charged With Domestic Assault After Allegedly Choking Father Until He Passed Out

ST. CROIX — A domestic dispute inside a Frederiksted home early Sunday escalated into a violent confrontation that left an elderly man unconscious and led to the arrest of his adult son, according to police.

Officers were dispatched to the residence after the man reported that he had been assaulted by his son, Chavez Ali. The father told police that the incident began Saturday evening while he was eating dinner in the kitchen. He said his son, whom he described as having a history of mental illness that includes mood swings and aggression, approached him and began questioning him about the whereabouts of other family members.

According to the report, the father said he ignored the questioning and continued eating, which appeared to anger Ali. The father told police that his son demanded he make eye contact, then grabbed his beard and forced his head downward. He said he tried to remain calm, but his son continued pulling on his beard and cursing.

When the father attempted to stand up, he reported that Ali placed him in a chokehold, lifted him, and dragged him into the living room. The man told police that as pressure was applied to his neck, he felt himself losing consciousness. He said the next thing he remembered was waking up on the living room floor, with his son still yelling.

Still dizzy, the father said he struggled to get back on his feet while Ali told him he was “lucky” to be allowed to live. The man reported that he pleaded with his son to let him go to his bedroom to rest. Fearing further violence, he said he waited until the early morning hours of Sunday to quietly leave the house and call 911.

Ali was later detained and transported to the Wilbur Francis Command police station, where he was arrested. He was charged with second-degree assault and simple assault and battery as crimes of domestic violence, as well as disturbing the peace by threats. He was remanded into custody pending his first court appearance.

On Monday, Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross found probable cause to uphold all charges. Bail was set at $50,000, with a 10 percent cash requirement for release pending trial. Mr. Ali’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 11.