SF. THOMAS — A man has been arrested following a violent attack on his ex-girlfriend that left her seriously injured and in need of medical attention.

The victim, who was being treated at Schneider Hospital, narrated the incident to the police from the Domestic Violence Unit on Monday evening. She explained that earlier in the evening, while she was at home combing the young children’s hair, she began receiving a series of persistent calls from the children’s father, Jason Gumbs, 44.

According to court documents, he allegedly called to inquire about clothes he claimed to have left at her home. The woman told him that there were no belongings of his in the house and warned him not to come. However, a few minutes later, she heard banging on her front door. Choosing to ignore the commotion, she continued to care for her children.

The noise escalated to the sound of the door being forced open. Moments later, Gumbs allegedly appeared in the woman’s bedroom, where she was with the children. She said he had broken in on a previous occasion but fled when she called the police. This time she was determined not to let him get away and tried to hold him back.

In response, Gumbs allegedly punched her in the face in front of their children. The woman managed to place it on her neck while she called 911. Despite her restraint, Mr. Gumbs maneuvered to retrieve her keys and used them to repeatedly stab her in the face. She continued to hold on to him even as he bit her forearm, but was eventually forced to let go when the keys got dangerously close to her eyes. Once free, Gumbs resumed her attack, bending back a recently operated finger and squeezing her right breast.

Finally, Gumbs stopped the attack and told him he would wait outside for the police. After he left, the woman unplugged her chest freezer and used it to block the door, fearing he would return. Despite his claims, she later heard a motorcycle start and saw him fleeing the area.

An ambulance transported the woman to Schneider Hospital, where she was treated for lacerations and abrasions to her face, as well as a bite mark on her forearm. Police investigations turned up at least three previous reports filed against Gumbs. It was handed in on Tuesday, November 12th.

During questioning, Gumbs admitted to breaking into the woman’s home, claiming he only did so to retrieve his belongings. He also claimed that she assaulted him several times in the past, although he never reported those incidents. At the Domestic Violence Unit, he was arrested and charged with third-degree assault, simple assault, second-degree burglary and destruction of property, all classified as domestic violence offenses. Additional charges include disturbing the peace. He was remanded in custody to await his advice on the rights hearing.

In court Wednesday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold all charges against Gumbs. Bail was set at $15,000 with an option to pay 20 percent cash to secure his release before trial. Conditions of his release include reporting in person to the probation office twice a week and maintaining a minimum distance of 50 feet from the mother of his children at all times.

Gumbs is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Dec. 6.

Editor’s note: Domestic violence is a critical issue in the Virgin Islands and throughout the country. If you need help leaving or dealing with an abusive relationship, support is available. Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (24/7 hotline: 340-773-9272) and the Family Resource Center of St. Thomas (24/7 hotline: 340-776-7867) offers help and resources.