On Jan. 22 at approximately 6:20 a.m., Elson A. Jones, age 47 of Clifton Hill, was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued by the Superior Court. Jones was charged with 1st Degree Reckless Endangerment; Registration, Confinement and Confiscation of Dangerous Dogs; Ferocious, Vicious or Mischievous Animals and Dogs Running at Large.
On Sep. 4, 2019 at around 7:00 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a call from a concerned citizen who reported that an individual in Estate Clifton Hill was being attacked by several dogs that belonged to Jones, who lived close by. Officers found an 84-year-old man with multiple dog bite wounds about the body. Preliminary investigation revealed that the man was in his yard when the pack of dogs attacked him. Neighbors heard the man screaming and the commotion of dogs attacking and went to his aid to defend the man from the attack.
The victim sustained multiple severe bite wounds to his feet, leg, hands and face and was taken to the Juan Luis Hospital for treatment. He was later airlifted to Puerto Rico for further medical treatment.
Jones voluntarily surrendered the dogs to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center. The dogs were removed from the area and transported to the VIPD K-9 Facility for the night. The dogs were eventually humanely euthanized due to their dangerous potential and at Jones’ request.
Bail for Jones was set at $10,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing.
