An American Airlines aircraft at the Cyril E. King Airport on July 16, 2024. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM.
ST. THOMAS — A man scheduled to leave the Cyril E. King Airport on Monday was instead arrested after police say he appeared intoxicated, touched travelers and officers, and repeatedly ignored efforts to move him out of the airport.
Cameron King was charged with disturbance of the peace and interfering with an officer following a series of incidents involving passengers, airport workers and law enforcement. He appeared Tuesday morning before Magistrate Julie Smith Todman, who found probable cause to uphold both charges.
According to court documents, a Port Authority police officer was first alerted to the situation by a passenger who pointed out King and said he appeared intoxicated and was inappropriately touching other people. At the time, King was speaking with a family, so the officer observed the situation.
A second person later approached the officer with a similar complaint. A worker at an airport restaurant also raised concerns about King’s apparent intoxication and unusual behavior. Shortly afterward, an employee at the airport jewelry store made a similar report.
By that point, King had reportedly moved closer to the family. The Port Authority officer noticed the father’s increasing discomfort and approached King to question him.
Police say King had difficulty standing and staggered while trying to maintain his balance. When asked whether he had consumed alcohol or intoxicating drugs, he began walking away, then returned and began touching the Port Authority police officer.
The officer told King that he was making others uncomfortable and asked him to stop the behavior.
Between apologies, police say King repeatedly told officers that it was his birthday. The officer attempted to lead him to a less crowded part of the airport, but King was reportedly unable to stand straight or walk without stumbling.
Additional officers were called to assist. King told them he was scheduled to depart that morning on an American Airlines flight to New York. According to police, he again tried to touch one of the officers on the shoulder and hands.
Police say he was told to keep his hands to himself and informed that “his actions were making everyone feel uncomfortable.”
A senior VIPD officer later joined the group and determined that King would not be able to fly in his condition. Officers decided that he should be rebooked for travel the following day.
King disagreed, reportedly saying it was alright for him to travel that day “because he and the officers were the same color.”
Officers ultimately escorted King out of the airport terminal. On the way out, police say he tried to engage with airport ramp employees and tourism ambassadors, requiring officers to intervene.
Officers seated him on a bench and offered him a bottle of water, which he reportedly drank “in one go.” He then began laughing and attempting to interact with a sign, according to police.
Officers say they made several attempts to get King to leave the airport, including trying to arrange a taxi and suggesting that he go to the beach to sober up. Police say he rejected those suggestions and kept returning to the airport, causing further disturbance to passengers and employees.
King was then arrested and charged.
Magistrate Smith Todman maintained bail at $500 in cash. King must report to the probation office once a week by telephone and return to court on July 10 for his next scheduled hearing.
According to documents filed in court, he was booked to fly out of St. Thomas on Tuesday afternoon.
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