Mugshot of Robert Kidd Jr. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — The owner of an adult store was arrested when a couple returning damaged goods found themselves on the wrong end of a gun.
Police were dispatched to Libido Loco in Estate Constant on January 18th after a woman called 911 to report an assault. She told responding officers that on January 14, she and her husband had purchased a pair of stilettos from the store. After purchasing the shoes, the woman says she discovered that one of the heels was chipped and the store owner, Robert Kidd Jr, agreed to give her a $50 discount.
According to court documents, the woman wore the shoes to work the following Monday, January 17. While dancing on the job, one of the shoes came apart. The couple returned to the store the next day with the damaged shoes and asked Mr. Kidd for a replacement or a refund.
The store owner reportedly began shouting, refusing to assist and ordering them out of the store. The woman said she then walked to the shoe section of the store and picked up another pair of the stilettos she had previously purchased. She told police that when she raised her head, Kidd was holding a black firearm in his hand, aimed at her. She says she immediately placed the shoes on the countertop and asked Kidd if he was going to kill her for a pair of shoes. Kidd reportedly responded that if she was going to steal from him he needed to defend himself.
The two then got into an argument during which Kidd reportedly again pointed the gun at the woman and her husband. The husband intervened and asked Kidd if he had really pulled a gun on them for a pair of shoes. The woman told police that she feared for her life and that of her husband’s, and that was when she called 911 and reported the matter.
When police made contact with Kidd, he accused the woman of intentionally damaging the heels and trying to steal from him. He said the only reason he displayed his firearm was because the woman’s husband had approached him aggressively and he felt that his life was threatened. He claimed not to have pointed the gun directly at the woman or her husband.
However, surveillance footage reviewed by police supported the woman's narrative. The recording shows Kidd and the woman arguing, after which Kidd was seen walking to the back of the store, retrieving a handgun and pointing it at the couple. The shoes that the woman returned were broken and appeared to be peeling/flaking. Kidd was placed under arrest and charged with third-degree assault and possession of a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence.
In court on Friday, a judge ruled that Kidd be allowed to post 10 percent of his $25,000 bail requirement to secure his release. He is barred from leaving the St. Thomas- St. John District and must report to the Office of Probation once a week. Kidd must remain employed and must have no contact, directly or indirectly with the couple or any witnesses. He must turn in his licensed firearm to police and is prohibited from obtaining another firearm, ammunition or any dangerous weapon.
