This is the 2nd arrest this year for Jones, who is at the center of a controversial Springfield Police brutality case.
Melvin Jones III, of Springfield, the man at the center of a controversial police brutality case in the city, was arrested on multiple charges related to a domestic disturbance on Saturday night, his second arrest of 2011.SPRINGFIELD – Melvin Jones III, the man at the center of a controversial police brutality case, is behind bars for the second time this year, this time facing multiple charges related to a domestic disturbance, Springfield police said Saturday night.
Jones, 29, of 16 Atwater Place, was arrested by Springfield Police shortly after 5:30 p.m. Saturday after police responded to a call at 84 Bowles St., said Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet.
Delaney said officers Justin Walters and Angel Berrios were dispatched to 84 Bowles St. at 5:30 p.m. They interviewed the alleged victim, a 28-year-old woman who stated that her ex-boyfriend, Jones, had just been at her house and assaulted her. Delaney said the victim stated she was choked and slammed to the couch, and that Jones took her keys from her and took her car.
The officers observed deep red marks on the victim's neck consistent with choking, Delaney said.
While taking the report, Walters and Berrios observed the victim's car and stopped the vehicle, Delaney said. Jones was arrested without incident, Delaney said, and charged with domestic assault and battery, using a motor vehicle without authority and operating a motor vehicle with a revoked license.
The victim declined medical treatment, Delaney said.
Jones will be held until arraignment in Springfield District Court on Monday.
On Jan. 9, Jones was arrested and charged with shoplifting 33 pairs of jeans and six shirts from the J.C. Penney’s store at 1719 Boston Road.
Jones was the center of a controversy after he was allegedly beaten unconscious by former Springfield patrolman Jeffrey M. Asher during a Nov. 27, 2009 traffic stop when he was arrested for cocaine possession.
Asher has been charged with beating Jones. The incident was caught on amateur videotape and made public in January 2010 by MassLive.com and The Republican; the case sparked debate in the city over whether there should be civilian oversight of the Police Department.
Three officers involved were suspended for a time and required to undergo retraining. Asher in September submitted his retirement papers with the state, citing disability due to stress. Fitchet fired him one day later, but because he submitted his retirement, he is eligible to receive a pension.
Asher, 39, of East Longmeadow, has denied charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery. Originally brought in Holyoke District Court, the case was moved to Chicopee because Asher's sister-in-law is a probation officer in Holyoke.
Hampden County District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni on Tuesday said he was committed to prosecuting the case against Asher.
Jones is out on bail in the Hampden Superior Court case charging him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute as a repeat offender and resisting arrest related to the 2009 arrest.
As a result of the January larceny arrest, Jones must now wear an electronic monitoring bracelet as he awaits trial on the drug case related to his alleged beating.
In August, 2010, he was treated in the Baystate Medical Center for a stab injury to the forearm. Police were dispatched but Jones refused to cooperate about who stabbed him.