Alleged Trespass and Assault Against Ex-Girlfriend St. Thomas Detained His Man

ST. THOMAS — A man was taken into custody after brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend, leaving her seriously injured and needing medical attention.

The victim, who was being treated at Schneider Hospital, described the incident to Domestic Violence Unit officers Monday night. She explained that while she was at home combing her young children’s hair in the early evening hours, she began receiving a series of persistent phone calls from the children’s father, 44-year-old Jason Gumbs.

He reportedly called her to find out about the clothes she claimed he left at her home, according to court documents. The woman said that she had no belongings at home and warned him not to come. But a few minutes later he heard a knock on his front door. Choosing to ignore the commotion, she continued to care for her children.

The banging grew louder until the sound of the door being forced open. A few minutes later, Gumbs allegedly emerged from the bedroom of the woman where he was with the children. He said he had broken in before, but escaped when he called the police. This time he was determined not to let her escape and tried to detain her.

In response, Gumbs reportedly punched her in the face in front of her children. The woman managed to grab him by the neck while calling 911. Despite the woman’s restraint, Mr. Gumbs maneuvered to grab her keys and used them to stab her repeatedly in the face. She continued to hold on to him even as he bit her forearm, but eventually had to let go as the keys came dangerously close to her eyes. After Gumbs was released, he allegedly continued his attack by bending her recently operated finger back and squeezing her right breast.

Eventually Gumbs stopped the attack and said he would wait outside for the police. After the man left, the woman unplugged the freezer and used it to close the door because she was afraid he would return. Despite his claims, he later heard a motorcycle starting and saw it fleeing the area.

An ambulance took the woman to Schneider Hospital, where she was treated for cuts and scrapes to her face as well as a bite mark on her forearm. Police investigations uncovered at least three previous reports against Gumbs. He surrendered on Tuesday, November 12.

During questioning, Gumbs reportedly admitted breaking into the woman’s home and claimed he only did so to retrieve her belongings. She also claimed that he had assaulted her several times in the past, but she never reported these incidents. He was arrested in the Domestic Violence Unit and charged with third-degree assault, simple assault, second-degree burglary and criminal damage to property, all of which are classified as domestic violence crimes. Additional charges included disturbance of the peace. He was detained pending a hearing recommendation.

In court Wednesday, Judge Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to accept all charges against Gumbs. Bail was set at $15,000, with the option to pay 20 percent in cash to ensure his release before trial. Conditions of his release include reporting to the probation office in person twice a week and maintaining a distance of at least 15 meters from his children’s mother at all times.

Gumbs is scheduled for his next hearing on December 6.

Editor’s Note: Domestic violence is a critical problem in the Virgin Islands and across the country. If you need help leaving or coping with an abusive relationship, support is available. St. Croix Women’s Coalition (24/7 Hotline: 340-773-9272) and St. Croix Women’s Coalition The Family Resource Center in St. Thomas (24/7 Helpline: 340-776-7867) provides help and resources.