ST. THOMAS — One man is facing charges after allegedly kicking open the door to an apartment in the H.H. Berg Housing Development and robbing the occupant inside.
According to court documents, police were contacted on Saturday morning in connection with multiple shots fired in the Hospital Ground area. Responding officers found several people who all reported that Nijohntea Walker had broken into a nearby apartment and attempted to steal jewelry from a resident.
The resident told police that he had been sleeping on the couch in his living room when Walker suddenly appeared, kicked the door open, and walked inside. He reportedly grabbed a gold chain from the couch and pointed a gun at the resident when confronted.
However, the man told police that he slapped the gun out of Walker's hand and reclaimed his chain. The two used to be friends, the man said, but were no longer close. Walker, in response, reportedly uttered a threatening message and fired shots into the air as he retreated.
Police found shell casings outside, on the sidewalk in front of the apartment building, but did not observe any damage. There were also apparently no injuries. However, a bystander reported to police that Walker had damaged the front and back doors to his residence elsewhere in Hospital Ground.
Police found Walker nearby and arrested him. He was charged with first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, grand larceny, disturbance of the peace, destruction of property, using a dangerous weapon in a crime of violence, using a firearm in a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and discharge of a firearm. Unable to meet the initial bail requirement of $75,000, he was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.
According to court records, Walker appeared before Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull, who ultimately issued an order for his release pending trial. The judge found probable cause for all charges, and bail was set at $75,000—$5,000 in cash and the remainder unsecured. Walker is prohibited from traveling outside the St. Thomas-St. John District. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 13.
Advertisements
