CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A motorcycle driver who took off when police tried to pull him over for a routine traffic stop has been arrested on illegal gun and assault charges on St. Thomas, authorities said.
Officers arrested Shamar N. Lewis, 21, of Altona about 5:21 p.m. on Thursday and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and third-degree assault, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Officers encountered Lewis while in the vicinity of Four Winds Plaza operating a motorcycle with no helmet, according to the VIPD.
“Officers attempted to stop Lewis, but instead of stopping, he accelerated his motorcycle, causing officers to take evasive action to avoid being hit,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.
Lewis lost control of the motorcycle and collided into a nearby parked vehicle. Lewis was in possession of a knapsack, and officers found an unlicensed firearm in it. He was placed under arrest as a result.
Lewis was released on $25,000 unsecured bond, was placed on a curfew and ordered to surrender his travel documents to the court as conditions of his bail at an advice-of-rights hearing.
St. Thomas/St. John District Chief of Police Ludrick Thomas commended the officers for their quick actions in affecting this arrest.
“This is the second straight day an arrest was made of a rogue motorcycle operator and the VI Police Department will not tolerate such reckless behavior on our roadways. Safety of everyone is important while operating a vehicle upon the public roadways. Driving is a privilege and not a right,” Chief Thomas said.