Burglary and alleged assault on ex-girlfriend lands St. Thomas man in custody

ST. THOMAS — A man is in custody after a violent attack on his ex-girlfriend that left her seriously injured and requiring medical attention.

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

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

The banging escalated to the sound of the door being pushed open. Moments later, Gumbs reportedly appeared in the woman’s bedroom, where she was with the children. She said he had broken into the home before, but fled when she called the police. This time she was determined not to let him escape and tried to hold him.

In response, Gumbs allegedly punched her in the face in front of their children. The woman managed to keep him in a neck hold while she called 911. Despite her reluctance, Mr Gumbs maneuvered to retrieve his 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 finally forced to let go when the keys came dangerously close to her eyes. Once released, Gumbs allegedly resumed his attack, bending back a recently operated finger and squeezing her right breast.

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

An ambulance took the woman to Schneider Hospital, where she was treated for cuts and abrasions on her face, as well as the bite wound on her forearm. Police investigations have revealed at least three previous reports filed against Gumbs. He turned himself in on Tuesday, November 12.

During interrogation, Gumbs reportedly admitted to breaking into the woman’s home, claiming he only did so to retrieve his belongings. He also claimed that she had 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 categorized as crimes of domestic violence. Additional costs include disturbing the peace. He was remanded in custody pending his advice on the hearing.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause in court to uphold all charges against Gumbs. Bail was set at $15,000, with an option to pay 20% cash to secure 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 will appear in court 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. The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (24/7 Hotline: 340-773-9272) and the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas (24/7 Hotline: 340-776-7867) offer help and resources.