Mugshot of Robert Amos. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A 35-year-old man has been charged with two counts of simple assault after he allegedly attempted to take the law into his own hands.
Robert Amos was taken into custody on Sunday night after an officer overheard a commotion in the area of Tap & Still Restaurant and Bar. The officer later discovered two male assault victims as well as Amos, the alleged perpetrator who was detained by security at the American Yacht Harbor.
According to the probable cause fact sheet, Amos had been the victim of an assault several minutes prior and the same officer had assisted him after someone called to report that a man was attacked by three white men. At the time, Ramos was approached by officers but he refused to provide any information on the incident and instead stated that the injuries were sustained in an accident on his boat.
However, according to the fact sheet, it appears that moments later Amos took matters into his own hands and attacked two innocent males, believing them to be the men that attacked him minutes prior. The two victims told police that they were inside the bar when Amos attacked them, punching them to their faces several times. Both men who sustained injuries to their faces asserted that the attack was unexpected and unprovoked.
One of the men received medical treatment after sustaining a contusion, a laceration, swelling and pain to the left side of his face. The other victim sustained a contusion and swelling to his nose and face but did not receive medical attention. One of the victims also reported going in and out of consciousness and ambulance assistance was requested.
Robert Amos was arrested and transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center where he was treated for his own injuries sustained in the first incident. This included a laceration and abrasion to the face.
At his advisement hearing on Monday, attorney Alexia Furlow noted that while Amos was born in Texas, he has resided in the USVI seasonally for the last 8 years. She also stated that he has no prior criminal convictions. Meanwhile, Assistant V. I. Attorney General Brenda Scales asked that Amos’ bail remain as set in the amount of $1000. She further requested that he be prohibited from having any contact with the victims and be placed on a curfew.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Paula Norkaitis expressed that she was very disturbed by the facts presented and that she was also concerned that Amos posed a flight risk. As such, he has been ordered to surrender his passport and driver's license, although he will retain his driving privileges. While he has not been placed under a curfew, Amos is strictly prohibited from leaving the jurisdiction without court permission. He has also been ordered to maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from the victims and must have no direct or indirect contact with them.
His bail remains set at $1000 which was previously posted. Judge Norkaitis further stressed that it is a privilege to live and work in the USVI and noted her concern over the lack of respect Amos showed local police and the community. She affirmed that the kind of action Amos allegedly took is unacceptable.
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