The VIPD has not provided a mugshot of Richard Hodge.
ST. THOMAS — A man was arrested on felony DUI charges after several people called 911 to report his alleged dangerous driving.
Officers of the V.I. Police Department were alerted to a white Ford Ranger being operated by a possibly intoxicated man on Wednesday afternoon around 5:45 p.m.
Police in the area responded to the First Stop gas station, where they saw the truck in question swerving towards the wall of the establishment. Officers stopped the vehicle and made contact with Richard Hodge, asking him to exit the Ranger. The officer speaking with Hodge smelled a strong odor of alcohol emanating from him, and also observed his bloodshot eyes and staggering stride.
Hodge refused to perform any of the three standardized field sobriety tests, and upon transportation to the Richard Callwood Command police station, he also declined to undergo the chemical test for blood alcohol level.
Police, unable to secure Hodge's cooperation, transported him to the Bureau of Corrections, however due to his behavior and appearance BOC officials declined to accept him. Hodge was then taken to the Schneider Regional Medical Center to be seen by a physician, following which he was accepted into custody by BOC officers.
He was ultimately charged with driving under the influence. Initial bail set at $1500 was paid prior to his advice of rights hearing on Friday, the outcome of which was not available as of press time. The next court appearance for Hodge is scheduled for October 20.
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