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Mugshot of Mackadis Smith. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A 25-year-old man has been charged for allegedly threatening multiple police officers who attempted to arrest him for driving under the influence.
Mackadis Smith Jr. was arrested on Saturday and charged with negligent driving, driving under the influence, interfering with an officer discharging his duties and disturbance of the peace by threats.
He was arrested after two officers were dispatched to a gas station near Turpentine Run Road in reference to an auto collision. One of the responding officers noted that she immediately observed that Smith was acting in an irate manner and that there was alcohol on his breath. However, when the officer informed Smith that he would need to undergo standardized field sobriety tests he became irate, stating that he is from Bovoni and that “being here” could get him killed.
According to the fact sheet, Smith was "difficult" throughout the three field tests which he eventually failed. An officer then instructed him to place his hands on the police vehicle because she had to take him down to finish her investigations. However, Smith reportedly replied, “No, you ain't taking me to jail” and began to struggle with the two officers present. He was able to get away and began walking towards his vehicle. While one of the officers attempted to detain him once more, she was unsuccessful. After breaking free a second time Smith walked towards his vehicle and the second officer deployed her taser.
The fact sheet alleges that Smith burst the taser wire twice and proceeded to get into his vehicle. However, as he attempted to put his key in the ignition, an unknown male reached through the window and took the key away. The officers subsequently attempted to pull Smith out of the vehicle but to no avail. He then agreed to exit the vehicle to be handcuffed but once out of the vehicle he refused to get on the ground, instead returning to his vehicle. Two other officers then arrived and Smith got out of the vehicle and got on the ground to be handcuffed. He was then placed in the police vehicle.
The probable cause fact sheet alleges that while on the scene Smith threatened to kill the four officers and their children. He allegedly stated, “meen know when last I done a officer” and “I will done you and all the [redacted] I see. Whoever is [redacted] I going done them.”
According to a statement from one of the officers, Smith also threatened, “You believe meen going do you nothing. I going put you in the dirt.” While in the booking room he further stated “You ain’t know who my uncle is? My uncle is [redacted]. My uncle will not play with you. I will not play with you. I am not joking. You make me lose $500 today. I will blast you. You will die.”
As it relates to the accident which initially summoned police to the scene, investigations revealed that Smith was traveling northwest on Turpentine Run Road in the center turn lane.
According to police findings, the driver infront of him was at a stop due to a red signal light and Smith was unable to maintain a safe distance. He attempted to avoid colliding into the rear of the other vehicle by veering to the right, but in doing so, the front left side of his vehicle collided with the rear right side of the other vehicle, thereby causing a collision.
On Monday, the court learned that the Tampa-born defendant has had two prior drug-related arrests in Florida. While his attorney requested that he be released on the posting of 10 percent of his $2500 bail, Judge Paula Norkaitis did not agree. Instead, the judge reduced Smith’s bail to $1,000, but with no 10 percent provision. He is strictly prohibited from having any contact with the four arresting officers and must maintain a 10-feet distance from each of them at all times. Additionally, the defendant has been ordered to surrender his passport to the court and his drivers license and driving privileges have been suspended for 90 days, commencing Monday.
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