.jpg)
Mugshot of Ryan Radziak. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A man charged with disturbance of the peace may face an enhanced penalty if the government can prove that his actions were racially motivated.
Ryan Radziak was arrested on Saturday night after police were dispatched to Raadets Gade in reference to a Caucasian male causing a disturbance and damaging property. Several citizens told the responding officers that the man had damaged the door of a business and the windshield wiper of a vehicle before leaving the scene.
Police conducted an investigation and made contact with Ryan Radziak, who fit the description provided by the witnesses. An off-duty police officer who observed the incident identified Radziak as the offender. He was subsequently frisked, handcuffed and placed in the police vehicle pending further investigation.
Police spoke to an individual who recounted observing Radziak approach the bar and proceed to make racist comments. He then placed his backpack on the counter while causing a disturbance and asking for alcohol. According to the individual, several people approached Radziak and asked him to leave the establishment but he continued to behave in a belligerent manner. He then left the bar and the individual recalled hearing the door close shortly after.
A second individual also told police that Radziak was disrespectful to multiple patrons of the bar. That individual further stated that he was unable to stand straight while yelling. Radziak’s belligerence reportedly continued, despite off-duty officers and other patrons approaching him in an attempt to make him leave the bar. According to the individual, Radziak left but returned moments later and proceeded to close the shutters of the business from the outside, closing everyone inside the bar. Three men pushed the door back open and Radziak then pushed them away before taking off. An off-duty officer later stated that he saw Radziak hit the windshield wiper of a white Mazda and that he heard him use racial slurs. According to the officer, Radziak stated “come at me [expletive]” while making hand gestures which indicated that he wanted to fight.
Police investigations revealed that Radziak had damaged the vehicle and the outer doors of the bar. He was subsequently arrested and charged with destruction of property and disturbance of the peace. During his arrest, he reportedly stated “what am I being arrested for? You can’t be arrested for damaging property. I closed the doors, that’s it.”
At his advisement hearing on Wednesday, the judge informed Radziak that if convicted of disturbance of the peace by threats, he may face a stricter punishment if the government can prove that his actions constituted a hate crime. The defendant has been charged under sections 3047 and 3048 of chapter 123 of the Virgin Islands Code. This section, titled "The Hate- Motivated Crimes Act" outlines an enhanced penalty for a person who willfully commits any crime maliciously motivated by prejudice based on perceived race, color or other such attributes.
While he awaits trial, Radziak will be released upon the posting of 10 percent of bail set at $1,000. He has been placed on a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily curfew and has been ordered not to enter the establishment where the incident occurred. The defendant must also surrender his passport and is prohibited from traveling without written permission from the court.
Advertisements
