The VIPD has not provided the mugshot of Durray Primus. By. GETTY IMAGES
ST. THOMAS – On Wednesday, a man charged with operating a vehicle without a valid drivers license appeared in court, after police say that a Veterans Drive hit-and-run on January 1st left a pedestrian in a coma.
After the incident on New Year’s Day, Durray Primus appeared at the Richard Callwood Command Traffic Investigation Bureau to provide a statement. Police then positively identified him as the operator of a red Nissan Juke that was caught on camera striking a pedestrian during the hit-and-run incident.
According to court documents, further investigation revealed that at the time of the collision, Primus did not have a valid driver’s license. The one he had when he was arrested expired in 2022, and a block placed by the Department of Justice meant he was unable to renew it, police say.
While viewing the surveillance footage, police noted that the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing with a dark jacket partially obscuring his face. The individual walked across the highway without looking to see if there were any approaching vehicles and continued crossing into the right eastbound lane of the roadway, where Primus was approaching with the traffic lights green. The man on foot began running across the road, but the red Nissan was seen colliding with him, sending him to the ground.
Police watched as Primus, in the surveillance video, reportedly opened the driver’s side door and looked down at the pedestrian on the ground before closing the door and driving off.
Officers reviewing how the collision unfolded concluded that Primus was not negligent, however he was still charged with operating a vehicle without a valid drivers license and leaving the scene of an accident. He was then remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.
In court on Wednesday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull ruled that Primus may be released from custody on a $7500 unsecured bond. He must report to the probation office twice weekly, in person, as well as abide by the usual bail requirements issued by the court.
Primus is expected to return to court on February 23.
