Kahlid Blyden of St. Thomas surrendered himself to federal authorities Monday on marijuana possession and firearms charges related to an August automobile accident, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to Shappert, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of an unauthorized firearm and ammunition.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, Blyden was involved in an automobile accident on Aug. 21. A responding officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car driven by Blyden. Officers searched the car and found a backpack with a large plastic bag inside containing marijuana, an AR-15 pistol and a box of ammunition.
Police said Blyden attempted to flee while being placed under arrest, but was detained after a brief chase.
He posted bond in Territorial Court and the case was transferred to the United States Attorneys’ Office on Oct. 9. A court date is set for Wednesday for a preliminary hearing before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Virgin Islands.
