VIPD Arrests St. Thomas Man Following Alleged Strangulation in Domestic Incident

ST. THOMAS — A 34-year-old man was arrested on multiple domestic violence-related charges after police responded to a reported assault at a St. Thomas residence on Saturday morning, January 3, according to the V.I. Police Department.

Police said patrol officers were dispatched to the residence at approximately 11:17 a.m. in reference to an assault. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, who reported that she and Ashby Gibson became involved in an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.

According to the victim’s statement to police, Gibson caused her to fall to the ground, dragged her across a rug, and strangled her while she was on the floor. She further stated that Gibson threw objects at her, striking her during the incident.

The victim told officers that as she attempted to leave the residence, she picked up her infant child. She reported that Gibson then pushed her against a glass front door while she was holding the baby. The victim stated that she was able to get away and subsequently called 911.

Police noted that the victim sustained visible injuries and complained of pain to her neck. Emergency Medical Technicians responded to the scene and examined her, but she declined to be transported to the hospital. Police said the infant did not sustain any injuries.

Officers made contact with Gibson, advised him of his constitutional rights, and placed him under arrest. He was transported to the Richard Callwood Command, where he was booked and processed before being turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending an Advice of Rights hearing.

Police said Gibson was charged with second-degree assault, third-degree assault, simple assault, disturbance of the peace, second-degree assault, and second-degree reckless endangerment, all charges of domestic violence. No bail was set due to Virgin Islands domestic violence law.