CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A vocational education teacher in St. Thomas is accused of assaulting a woman holding an infant child, authorities said.
Ashby Gibson, 34, was charged with second-degree assault-domestic violence, third-degree assault-domestic violence, simple assault-domestic violence, disturbance of the peace-domestic violence and second-degree reckless endangerment, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The case began when officers were dispatched to a St. Thomas residence in reference to an assault on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at about 11:17 a.m., according to the VIPD.
Responding officers met with the victim who stated that “she and Ashby Gibson got into an argument which tuned into a physical altercation,” police said.
“The victim stated that Gibson caused her to fall, dragged her on the rug and strangled her while she was on the ground,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said.
She further stated that “Gibson threw objects at her, striking her,” according to Dratte.
The victim then stated that she grabbed her infant child while she attempted to leave, however Gibson pushed her against the glass front door while she was holding her baby, according to police.
She stated that she was able to get away and at that time she called 911, police said.
The victim sustained visible injures and complained about pain to her neck, according to police.
Her infant child did not sustain any injuries, police said.
Emergency Medical Technicians on the scene examined the victim, but she refused to be transported to the Schneider Hospital.
Officers also interviewed Gibson, who was first advised of his Miranda Rights.
Gibson was taken into official custody and transported to the Richard Callwood Command, where
he was booked and processed.
The suspect was not offered bail in keeping with the territory’s domestic violence laws.
Gibson was transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections at the St. Thomas jail.
He is scheduled for an advice-of-rights hearing at the Superior Court in Charlotte Amalie.
Gibson is employed by the Virgin Islands Department of Education as a “vocational teacher” making $58,820.71 per year, according to the Virgin Islands Department of Personnel website.
Ashby Gibson in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is known as a Vocational Teacher employed by the USVI government, with records from the Division of Personnel showing his role and salary, and he has also been involved in local public testimony and community matters, such as a petition to the Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Profession: Vocational Teacher for the USVI.
- Government Affiliation: Listed in the USVI Division of Personnel’s database.
- Public Activity: Submitted testimony and signed petitions related to local legislation, indicating active community participation in St. Thomas.
vocational education teacher (or Career & Technical Education/CTE teacher) teaches practical, job-related skills for specific trades and careers, bridging academic learning with real-world workforce needs by delivering hands-on training, technical knowledge, and industry-relevant experiences in fields like healthcare, trades, or IT, preparing students for direct entry into employment. They develop curricula, conduct practical labs, assess skills, and ensure students meet industry standards for specific occupations, often possessing both teaching qualifications and significant industry experience in their field.
Key Responsibilities
- Instruction: Deliver lessons in both theory and practice for specific trades (e.g., plumbing, culinary arts, nursing, coding).
- Hands-On Training: Create and facilitate practical activities, simulations, and lab work using industry-standard tools and equipment.
- Curriculum Development: Design lesson plans and training materials aligned with current industry standards and requirements.
- Assessment: Evaluate student progress through tests, projects, and practical demonstrations, ensuring job readiness.
- Industry Connection: Collaborate with businesses for internships, training, and to keep skills relevant.
- Safety: Teach and enforce crucial safety procedures for the specific trade.
Where They Teach
- High Schools (as part of CTE programs)
- Vocational Schools & Technical Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Adult Education Centers
Key Skills & Qualifications
- Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge and experience in their specific trade or field.
- Teaching Skills: Ability to communicate, manage a classroom, and adapt teaching methods.
- Assessment Skills: Competency in evaluating practical and theoretical skills.
- Pedagogical Training: Often hold specific vocational teaching certifications or degrees.
