Victim Temporary Blinded, Badly Wounded by Suspect Wielding Steel Bat

ST. THOMAS — A 39-year-old man has been charged with third-degree assault after he allegedly hit a man multiple times with a steel bat.

Shakim Gumbs was arrested on September 28 after officers were dispatched to Rumar Road in reference to a reported assault. Police made contact with the alleged victim who stated that he was standing at the bus stop when an unknown black rasta attacked him. The man told police that prior to the attack, the alleged perpetrator had started yelling at him. The victim said he told the man to leave him alone and stepped out of the way when he advanced towards him with a knife. According to the probable cause fact sheet, the perpetrator subsequently advanced towards the man with a steel bat which he allegedly used to strike him three times, before fleeing.

The victim was transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center via ambulance where he was assessed and treated for injuries sustained as a result of the assault. These included a laceration above the right eye, swelling and temporary blindness to that eye, two broken bones in his left hand and severe pain to the left shoulder.

A witness to the assault was able to positively identify the perpetrator based on the police department’s arrest photo book. The witness further stated that the perpetrator, identified as Shakim Gumbs, is known to frequent the bus stop in question and has on several occasions threatened people who use the bus stop. The victim of the assault was also able to identify Gumbs from the arrest book and he was later arrested after police found him in the area of the incident. At the time he was located, Gumbs was in possession of the bat described by the alleged victim as the assault weapon.

On Wednesday, Gumbs appeared virtually before Judge Carolyn Hermon- Percell for an advisement hearing. Attorney Brenda Scales, appearing for the people, noted no objection to Gumbs being granted release on the posting of 10 percent of his bail which was set at $25,000. However, Scales stressed that the defendant must be obligated to stay away from the victim.