Mugshot of Erik Isaksson Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A Florida man’s access to the Cyril E. King Airport has been restricted following alleged disorderly behavior on the morning of October 30th.
According to police, an officer stationed at the airport heard a loud verbal disturbance and observed Erik Isaksson with his shirt wrapped around his neck, a bottle of vodka in one hand and slippers in the other. At the time, he was reportedly swearing at passengers and airport staff while making his way to the Papaya Cove Restaurant.
When the officer approached Isaksson, he noticed that his clothing was wet and sandy. The officer noted that when he called out to Isaksson, the man shouted “[expletive] you” and continued walking towards the restaurant. He then swore at a female airline employee who was exiting a nearby gate, shouting “[expletive] you, you [expletive]. You’re a [expletive] cockroach.” Isaksson then proceeded to sit at the restaurant, placing his bottle of vodka and slippers on the table.
The officer approached him and asked what was the problem, while also ordering him to put on his shirt and mask. Isaksson allegedly shouted “[expletive] you, get away from me” in response. The officer then requested additional police assistance, at which point Isaksson balled up his fists, shuffled towards the officer and yelled “get the [expletive] away from me!” He continued to shout derogatory words at the officers and bystanders. As officers attempted to escort him out of the restaurant and into the parking lot, he shouted “I’m not leaving, get the [expletive] away from me, I’m not going anywhere!” Isaksson was subsequently arrested and turned over to the Bureau of Corrections. According to the probable cause fact sheet, officers observed a strong odor of alcohol on his person.
At a virtual hearing on Monday, he was advised that he is charged with disturbing the peace which carries a maximum fine of $100, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both. The court also found probable cause for charging Isaksson with disobeying orders of a policeman and interfering with an officer discharging his duties. The two offenses both carry a maximum prison term of one year and fines of $200 and $1000 respectively.
As stated during the hearing, Isaksson has no ties to the jurisdiction as he is visiting from Florida. While the judge concluded that he will be released on an unsecured bond of $500, he must surrender all travel documents and has been given 48 hours to provide the court with an address where he will reside while the matter is pending.
Isaksson is strictly forbidden from entering the premises of the Cyril E. King Airport unless he is there for the purpose of catching a flight and has a ticket in hand to prove such. The judge stressed that once he enters the airport he must abide by all regulations set by local and federal authorities. However, Isaksson is only allowed to leave the jurisdiction once he has received written permission from the court.
