The Hampton by Hilton in St. Thomas. The VIPD has not released a booking photograph of Kamal Cannonier. This article will be updated if one becomes available.
ST. THOMAS — A disturbance at a St. Thomas hotel on Wednesday escalated into an assault after a man claiming ownership of the property allegedly threatened staff, made explosive statements, and punched a hotel manager in the chest, prompting a citizen’s arrest and criminal charges.
Police were called to the Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas Wednesday afternoon following reports of a physical altercation in the lobby. Officers arrived to find multiple hotel employees who identified Kamal Cannonier as the individual at the center of the incident.
According to police, Cannonier appeared disheveled and spoke incoherently, telling officers that he was the true owner of the hotel. Staff members, however, reported that Cannonier had been causing a disturbance inside the lobby prior to police arrival.
Employees told officers that when the hotel manager approached Cannonier to address the situation, he found Cannonier berating his wife. The manager intervened, at which point Cannonier reportedly became increasingly hostile. Staff said Cannonier declared himself the owner of the property, ordered everyone to leave, and threatened to blow up the building.
Fearing for their safety, the hotel manager and several employees escorted Cannonier off the property. He initially crossed the street but then reportedly dropped the backpack he was carrying and turned back toward the hotel. Cannonier then allegedly punched the hotel manager in the chest before being restrained once again by employees, who held him until police arrived.
A citizen’s arrest was made, and Cannonier was charged with assault. He told officers that he had been attacked without provocation after attempting to inform hotel management that Citibank was the actual owner of the property. Despite the claim, Cannonier was remanded into custody after failing to post the $500 bail initially set.
Cannonier appeared in court Thursday before Simone VanHolten-Turnbull, who found probable cause to uphold the charge. Bail was maintained at $500, though Cannonier was permitted to post half that amount in cash to secure his release pending trial.
Upon release, Cannonier will be required to report in person to the probation office twice weekly and comply with standard bail conditions.
His next court appearance is scheduled for February 20.
Advertisements
