ST. THOMAS — A construction dispute in Estate Tutu ended in felony charges over the weekend, after a man reported being struck in the head with a spirit level during a confrontation with a worker he had previously employed. The incident prompted a police response early Sunday and resulted in multiple charges against Max Cadet.

According to police, officers were dispatched to the under-construction residence on Sunday morning to investigate a report of an assault. When they arrived, they met a man who “had what appeared to be blood” on his face, hair, and clothing. Officers also noted a laceration on his head and observed that some of his hair was missing from his scalp. The man told police that Cadet had assaulted him.

He explained that Cadet had been hired to assist him with work on the house and had been paid about $1,000 for three days of labor. After informing the homeowner that he would no longer continue with the job, Cadet was replaced by another worker. The man said that Cadet later arrived at the job site, demanded that the new worker be dismissed, and became involved in a verbal dispute.

The exchange escalated, according to the injured man, when Cadet picked up a spirit level and struck him in the head. He said he grabbed Cadet to prevent another blow but lost his balance, causing both men to fall. He told officers that although he did not hit his head during the fall, he observed blood dripping afterward.

The new worker intervened and separated the men. The injured man then contacted police.

Officers also interviewed Cadet, who “gave numerous accounts of what occurred,” according to court records. In one version, he denied that any physical confrontation took place. In another, he claimed the other man struck him with a spirit level. A third version described both men holding spirit levels during the encounter.

At the scene, police documented a broken light on the ground surrounded by what appeared to be blood, along with a deformed spirit level nearby.

Cadet was arrested and charged with third-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, and disturbance of the peace. He was remanded into custody and appeared before Magistrate Paula Norkaitis on Monday.

Judge Norkaitis found probable cause for all charges and set bail at $25,000, allowing Cadet to post 10 percent in cash to secure release ahead of trial. If released, he must report weekly to the probation office by telephone, remain at least 40 feet away from the alleged victim, and is prohibited from returning to the Estate Tutu residence where the incident occurred.

 

Cadet’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 19.