Superior Court Magistrate Division heard two cases with apparent ties to recent Carnival events held on St. Thomas. One case involved a visitor from Oregon; the other, a pedestrian trying to cross the route of the Carnival Adults’ Parade.
According to records filed with the court, the officers who arrested Portland visitor Brysen Uhalde said the defendant told him he had personal items — including his wallet — stolen while he was enjoying Thursday’s J’ouvert celebrations. Witnesses who summoned police the next day said Uhalde appeared at the Tap and Still Restaurant in Havensight shortly before 10 a.m. the following day.
A server at the restaurant said the man walked in, took a seat, and said he was waiting for someone to meet him there to bring some money. After waiting a while and ordering $146.32 worth of food and drinks, a witness said Uhalde said he was going out to get some money and come back to pay the tab.
Court documents said police received a call asking them to travel to the restaurant, but en route were directed to the nearby Dog House Pub. Upon arrival, they found a man fitting the description given by the person who initiated the call.
Police then escorted Uhalde back to the restaurant where the day manager identified him and said all she wanted him to do was pay the bill. While authorities looked on, the defendant tried to use a payment app to meet the obligation but did not succeed.
The restaurant manager told police she wanted to make a citizen’s arrest.
After making an appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Paula Norkadis, the defendant paid a $500 bail set at the time of his arrest.
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A second defendant from an unrelated incident had to pay a $1,000 bail after he was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer and refusing to obey a lawful order. Details contained in a probable cause fact sheet set the scene of the alleged assault along the route of Saturday’s Carnival parade.
The arresting officer said the incident took place around 5 p.m. when accused assailant J’moi Francis attempted to pass a barricade and enter the parade route. The officer said he blocked entry and informed the defendant he could not cross at that time, but after the second admonition, Francis allegedly tried to force his way past the officer.
A scuffle ensued; nearby National Guard personnel and some parade spectators joined the fray. The defendant was eventually restrained and placed in handcuffs.
The arresting officer said he had his whistle strap torn off and the suspect managed to swing a fist in his direction.
After making an appearance at an advice of rights hearing, Francis was ordered to appear for arraignment on May 24. He was granted release after paying bail and a court fee.
