Mugshot of K’Mahri Hughes. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A man appeared before a judge in the V.I Superior Court on Monday on gun-related charges after his car almost collided into a police vehicle.
K’Mahri Hughes, age 18, was recently arrested for constructive possession of ammunition. His arrest occurred on October 16 while officers were patrolling the Gasvaerks Gade area in the vicinity of the Government Employee' Retirement System building.
According to the probable cause fact sheet, a blue Honda Fit exited the side road and almost collided into the vehicle that police officers were in. Immediately after, a traffic stop was conducted on the Honda. As the officers approached the vehicle, the two front windows were turned down and one of the officers went to the driver’s side window and asked the driver to produce his vehicle documents. The driver produced the registration, insurance and title for the vehicle and was then asked to produce his driver’s license.
While on the passenger side of the vehicle, an officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver was then told to turn down the right rear window but he replied that the window was not working. At that point, the occupants were asked to step out of the vehicle to which they complied. For safety, the officers patted down the occupants.
One of the driver’s licenses belonged to a 16-year-old minor. The officers then asked what the ages of the other two individuals in the vehicle were. One was 18 years old, identified as K’Mahri Hughes, and the other, another 16-year-old minor. An officer then asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle and one of the minors said no.
The vehicle was then searched. Officers found marijuana residue on the rear driver’s side door, crushed tobacco used in forming marijuana cigarettes and bamboo sheets on the rear passenger floor.
As the officers continued to search the vehicle, the glove compartment was opened and a black pouch-like container was found with loose ammunition inside. At that point, the search was stopped and the occupants were asked whether there was a weapon in the vehicle as well. They said there was no gun in the vehicle. All of the occupants were placed under arrest, and the minors were later released into the custody of their parents pending their advisement hearing.
In court on Monday, the judge presiding over the matter ruled that Hughes would be allowed to post $2,000 cash or the equivalent in property to secure his release. Upon his release, his mother would act as his third-party custodian. He is to abide by a daily curfew from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. Hughes is barred from leaving the St. Thomas-St. John District without the court’s written permission and must report to the office of probation three times per week.
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