VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) — A captain with Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services was arrested on domestic violence charges, an EMS spokesman confirmed.
38-year-old Raj Islam was arrested Monday on charges of simple assault on a family member (two counts) and attempted malicious wounding by stab or cut.
Islam is currently being held without bond at the Virginia Beach Jail.
Public Information Officer Chief Bruce Nedelka said Islam has been with EMS for 10 years, and that when he comes back after his case is adjudicated, he will be on administrative duties. Chief Nedelka also said Islam's charges are not related to his work at EMS.
In addition to his work at EMS, Islam is the chairman of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission.
“I just think at this point, it’s prudent just to wait for the process to flush out the facts and maybe not jump to any conclusions,” said City Council liaison and Mayor Elect, Bobby Dyer.
"He helped facilitate a lot of meetings with the police and the community in trying to build positive bridges with his Muslim community. He’s been a stellar champion of promoting and making sure human rights was a priority in the city of Virginia Beach.”
13News Now visited Islam’s home where a woman claimed to be his soon-to-be wife. She said the allegations against him are false and the woman bringing about the charges is his estranged wife.
Online court records state that Islam and his accuser were in a current divorce battle. A hearing was as recent as last week. There was another motions hearing scheduled for the end of the month, records show.
In a statement to 13News Now, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Commission said:
“We respect Raj Islam’s work at the Human Rights Commission. We are aware of the charges pending against Raj Islam. There is a judicial process in place and we are awaiting the outcome. The Human Rights Commission remains dedicated to advocating for the human rights of all residents of Virginia Beach. To that end, we are concentrating our efforts towards planning a forum for Human Rights Day on December 10.”
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