A probationary V.I. police officer in the St. Croix district was arrested and charged Thursday with aggravated assault and battery in connection with an alleged attack on two other police officers.
According to police, Henry Mason, who graduated the Police Academy in June, assaulted the officers when they responded to a domestic disturbance in Estate Glen.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, police got a 911 call from Mason’s girlfriend, who reported a domestic disturbance. Police said when officers arrived on the scene they found Mason and the girlfriend arguing.
When officers attempted to escort Mason from the residence, Mason allegedly assaulted and injured the officers. Then, while in the patrol car en route to the police station, police said Mason repeatedly kicked the car door, causing damage to the vehicle.
According to VIPD spokeswoman Melody Rames, the officers sustained minor injuries. Rames said a new police officer is considered on probation for the first year of service.
Mason was held in police custody overnight Thursday and attended his advise of rights hearing Friday morning. He was released by the court to a third-party custodian pending further court action. The police department has placed Mason on administrative leave without pay pending the conclusion of the internal and criminal investigation.
