A St. Croix police officer was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a civilian last month.
Officer Gary Simmonds, 28, was arrested on a Territorial Court warrant for two counts of third-degree assault and possession of a weapon during a crime of violence, according to Police Commissioner Franz Christian.
While off duty on April 24, Simmonds allegedly became involved in a confrontation with Kevin Sealey in Estate Diamond. During the argument, Simmonds allegedly pointed his service weapon at Sealey's face, then hit him several times with a metal pipe.
The incident was reportedly the culmination of a running feud between the two men.
Simmonds, a four-year veteran on the force, has been suspended without pay and released on his own recognizance pending further investigation, Christian said.
The arrest follows other incidents on St. Thomas and St. John that involved police officers. On March 28 an on-duty officer and a motorist were involved in a heated verbal exchange and an alleged physical confrontation on the St. Thomas waterfront. A subsequent investigation by the officer’s superior found no basis for an assault charge but recommended an official reprimand.
On March 18, an officer on St. John reportedly slammed a woman against a car several times after becoming involved in a dispute between her and a taxi driver over parking.
Both incidents are being investigated by the FBI.
