Mugshot of Michaiah Morton. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A 30-year-old man was arrested after police discovered ammunition and marijuana in his vehicle.
According to police, Michaiah Morton was stopped on Friday, March 11 afternoon after an officer observed a vehicle with an expired registration sticker on Turpentine Run road. The officer turned on the blue lights on the police vehicle to conduct a traffic stop and the driver complied. The operator, later identified as Morton, exited the vehicle, approached the police vehicle. The officer then exited his vehicle, explained why Morton was stopped and instructed him to return to to the vehicle.
Upon approaching the vehicle operated by Morton, the officer reportedly observed a strong odor of marijuana. He then requested the driver’s license and registration documents and noticed that Morton was nervously attempting to push his hands under the driver’s seat. The officer subsequently ordered Morton to stop and slowly get out of the vehicle. However, according to the fact sheet Morton instead reached for the door and pulled it towards him in an attempt to close it. While doing so he allegedly struck the officer’s left elbow then immediately drove his vehicle up Aquiline Ann Road.
The officer called for assistance and followed the vehicle, repeatedly ordering Morton to stop via intercom. However, according to the officer’s statement, Morton kept driving before eventually coming to a stop. The officer approached him once more and ordered him to slowly exit the vehicle. He was patted down and detained and police advised him that the vehicle would be searched.
The fact sheet states that the search of the vehicle revealed a glass jar containing a green leafy substance that smelled and appeared to be marijuana. Police also discovered a scale and several zip lock bags, as well as a 10 round Glock magazine with rounds, an extended magazine with a 27 round capacity and a 13 round magazine. According to the fact sheet, police also found two 45 caliber rounds.
Morton was arrested and charged with third-degree assault on a peace officer, interfering with an officer discharging duties and possession of illegal ammunition. He is also facing charges for possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating an uninsured vehicle.
Bail was initially set at $58,000 and Morton appeared for an advisement hearing on Monday, March 14 where the judge reduced bail to $30,000 with a 10 percent provision. The judge noted that the defendant had no prior exposure to the criminal justice system.
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