ST. THOMAS — A driver accused of causing a three-vehicle crash on Veteran’s Drive is now facing multiple charges after police say he failed several sobriety tests following the collision.
Police responded Monday night to reports of a major crash near the Fort Christian parking lot and the Virgin Islands Legislature. When officers arrived, they found a Ford Explorer with its front end destroyed. The occupants of that vehicle were taken to the hospital for treatment. A Nissan Rogue was also struck, and according to police, the woman and child inside were injured. The driver of a red Toyota Tacoma, identified as Marcel Pompe, was additionally transported to the hospital for medical care.
Investigators determined that Pompe had been traveling west on Veteran’s Drive when his vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane. His Tacoma collided head-on with the Explorer, pushing it back into the Rogue. The Tacoma then reportedly ricocheted off the Explorer and crashed into the northeastern gate of the Virgin Islands Legislature, where it came to rest.
At the scene, officers spoke with rescue personnel, who said Pompe smelled strongly of alcohol immediately after the crash. Police later met him at the hospital and administered standardized field sobriety tests, all of which he reportedly failed. Officers also noted an odor of alcohol coming from him. Pompe denied drinking before the collision.
He was taken into custody and transported to the Traffic Investigation Bureau, where he consented to a chemical breath analysis. After two unsuccessful attempts, he completed the test on the third try. Approximately six hours after the collision, his blood alcohol content reportedly measured .088, slightly above the legal limit of .08. Police concluded that Pompe’s blood alcohol level would have been higher at the time of the crash and charged him with driving under the influence, negligent driving, reckless driving, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
Pompe appeared before Magistrate Sigrid Tejo on Wednesday. Judge Tejo found probable cause for all charges and ruled that Pompe could secure release before trial by paying 10 percent of his $30,000 bail in cash.
As conditions of release, Pompe must report to the probation office weekly in person, comply with a nightly curfew from 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and refrain from alcohol and controlled substances. Standard restrictions also apply, including travel limitations and the surrender of all identification documents.
Pompe’s next court hearing is set for January 9, 2026, and he is prohibited from driving until that date.
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