Mugshot of Shahime Ludvig. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — A man who fled a traffic stop after police discovered a gun in his vehicle is now facing felony charges in court.
On the night of August 11 around 10:20 p.m., police on patrol near the Four Winds Plaza spotted the vehicle of a suspect who had been reported days earlier pointing a rifle at someone else. The silver Ford Bronco had the same license plate as the one reported in the previous incident, and thus officers approached the vehicle and driver, who was identified as Shahime Ludvig.
After complying with a request to lift his shirt to ensure he had no weapons, Ludvig denied having anything to declare. However, when one officer shone a flashlight into the SUV, Ludvig opened the driver’s side door, took a black firearm from the seat, and reportedly began retreating towards the Rhymer Highway as officers reacted to the sight of the gun. One ordered Ludvig to stop and raised her firearm, but he reportedly continued his attempted escape.
With police in pursuit, he ran onto Top Banana Road, unharmed by the single shot fired by one of the chasing officers. Due to poor lighting, the presence of bystanders, and the potential risk to public safety, police decided to suspend the chase and returned to secure the scene.
A warrant was issued for his arrest, and Ludvig reportedly turned himself in after friends and family members informed him of its existence. He declined to provide a statement about the events of August 11, and was charged with interfering with an officer discharging his duties.
Ludvig was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections until his advice of rights hearing on August 14.
In court on Monday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis set bail at $1000, which was paid on Ludvig’s behalf. Pre-trial release conditions include reporting to the probation office once a week by telephone, and being restricted to the St. Thomas/St. John district unless given written permission to travel by the court.
The next court appearance for Shahime Ludvig Jr. is scheduled for September 1.
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