The V.I.P.D. has not provided a mugshot of the suspect. Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
ST. THOMAS — A man has been arrested for third-degree assault, disturbance of the peace and destruction of property following an incident where he allegedly attempted to steal from a pharmacy.
Simon Hodge was arrested on the morning of February 28th after police were dispatched to the pharmacy in reference to an assault. The complainant stated that Hodge walked into the pharmacy, took a few items and then left the store without paying. The items included vitamin water, coconut water and snacks. According to the employee’s statement, she then yelled for assistance and Hodge was stopped by a man in the vicinity who then led him back into the store. The employee recalled that Hodge seemed irate and was using obscene language directed at both individuals. However, he dropped all the stolen items on the counter and left the store while continuing to spew obscenities.
It is alleged that shortly after, Hodge picked up a wooden stick with nails at the tip and attempted to strike the man who had initially stopped him. The man defended himself, but Hodge later returned with several large rocks which he threw at the pharmacy employee and the man, causing them to run to the back of the store to seek cover. According to the fact sheet, the rocks damaged a glass freezer along with several goods on display at the front of the store, causing damages estimated at $700. Hodge then took off in the direction of Sugar Estate, 1st Street.
The responding police officers located Hodge in the area of Pearson Garden and he appeared to be deranged, having what the officer described as an “odd conversation” with himself. He was arrested and bail was set at $26,000.
At a virtual hearing on Monday, Judge Simone Van Holten-Turnbull reduced bail to $16,000 noting that Hodge will be allowed to post 10 percent. However, he can only be released if an approved third-party custodian can be identified to monitor him and ensure he takes previously prescribed medication.
The judge noted that the defendant must undergo a psychological evaluation prior to his release unless one was conducted within the last two years. Hodge has also been ordered to remain at least 50 feet away from the pharmacy at all times and must not enter the premises for any reason. He has also been prohibited from having any form of contact with the pharmacy employee as well as the individual who offered assistance.
Advertisements
