ST. CROIX — A man was arrested Monday after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend because she failed to answer the phone when he called.

According to a release from the V.I. Police Department, on Monday the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report at 6:38a.m. of an assault that occurred in the Sion Farm area. Upon the arrival of the responding officers, they made contact with the victim, who told detectives that she was strangled by her boyfriend, Akeel Ahonza Phillips, age 35.

Criminal Investigation Bureau Detectives interviewed the victim who stated that Phillips came home upset because she missed his telephone calls. She further stated that after trying to explain to Phillips what occurred, he became enraged, grabbed her by the throat with both hands and squeezed, restricting her airway.

The victim said she fought Phillips and was able to get him off her. She said that she moved away from Phillips and he followed her to another room where he began striking her on the body, holding her by the throat a second time and squeezing until her breathing was restricted.

The victim sustained injuries because of the assault, according to the V.I.P.D.

Phillips was arrested at 11:57 a.m. Monday and charged with second-degree assault domestic violence, simple assault and battery, and disturbance of the peace domestic violence.

Phillips admitted that he and the victim got into a verbal disagreement that turned physical. He was then booked, and no bail was set per the DV statue, the V.I.P.D. reported. He was transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing.

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