ST. THOMAS — A man accused of refusing crew instructions aboard a ferry from St. John and later striking a police officer at the dock is facing charges of aggravated assault and battery, interfering with an officer and disturbance of the peace.
Kesny Jean appeared in court Thursday before Magistrate Julie Smith Todman, who found probable cause to uphold the charges against him. Bail was set at $1,000, with half payable in cash to secure his release ahead of trial.
Police were first alerted to the incident last Tuesday evening when the cashier at the ferry dock called out requesting assistance. The ferry, which had departed St. John at 7 p.m., was returning to the dock approximately 15 minutes later.
Officers were told that Mr. Jean was standing outside the cabin at the rear of the vessel and had refused repeated instructions to take a seat inside the ferry. Rather than comply with the captain’s orders, police say he became belligerent, used profanities and displayed verbal aggression.
An officer attempted to escort Mr. Jean off the ferry, but police say he remained aggressive and non-compliant. He was eventually removed from the vessel.
Once back on land, Mr. Jean was told he would have to wait for the next ferry because the captain had refused to allow him to travel on the vessel he had just left.
Police say Mr. Jean responded by swinging his hand toward the officer’s face, striking the officer on the left side of his mouth. He then reportedly threw his ferry tickets in the officer’s face and pushed him with both hands.
The officer subdued and handcuffed Mr. Jean, while noting a strong scent of alcohol coming from him.
Mr. Jean was transported to a medical facility for evaluation before being taken first to the Leander Jurgen Command Police Station and then to the Richard Callwood Command Police Station on St. Thomas for processing.
Police say he continued to behave in a non-compliant, aggressive and disruptive manner while in custody.
He was later remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing.
As part of the conditions set by the court, Mr. Jean must report to the probation office once a week by telephone. He is also prohibited from using alcohol and other controlled substances while the case is pending.
If he travels between St. Thomas and St. John, Mr. Jean must comply with all ferry company policies and procedures.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 10.
Advertisements
