July 19, 2005 — Police say there will be an internal investigation into an alleged assault against a St. Thomas movie usher by an off-duty Police officer. The incident took place Sunday and resulted in the arrest of a worker at the Caribbean Cinemas in the Market Square East Shopping Center.
V.I. Police Department spokesman, Sgt. Thomas Hannah, on Monday urged witnesses to rest assured that disciplinary action will be taken if the investigation by the VIPD Internal Affairs Division shows there was any police misconduct. "Director Ray Martinez has been in touch with Acting Commissioner James McCall, as well as agents of Internal Affairs, to fully investigate the matter.
According to a report appearing Monday's Daily News, the unidentified usher was shoved through the theater doorway by an individual after that person was asked to use another door to exit the building. The action was reportedly forceful enough to send the worker flying out the door to the curb, several feet away. When police responded to the scene the alleged assailant spoke to the officers and then approached and handcuffed the usher, who was placed under arrest.
Witnesses cited in the Daily News say the alleged aggressor never identified himself as a police officer.
Hannah, speaking Monday, asked witnesses who provided statements about the incident not to be intimidated by what they saw. "I heard someone make the statement that they were afraid. Fear not; you have done the right thing." Hannah said, "The information is being provided and we will be guided accordingly," he said.
However, Hannah was not willing to say why the movie worker was arrested and what would happen next. As part of the investigation, he said investigators would determine whether an arrest was warranted.
"It's too soon to say if this person is going to be charged or if that person is going to be charged." Hannah said, "Let the investigation be completed and let's get the results so they can be presented fairly for everyone," he said.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
