Crime & Safety
VIPD: Suspect Drives Away With Police Car
Rashawn Brooks climbed into the front seat of a police car while handcuffed and took off. He was quickly caught, arrested, and charged.
ST. THOMAS — On August 2, Rashawn Brooks, age 42 of Oswald Harris Court, was arrested after he reportedly took control of a police cruiser and sped off.
According to police, Brooks was initially detained by Virgin Islands Police Department officers while they were investigating another matter. Brooks was handcuffed and sitting in the back seat of a police cruiser at the Bassanio G. David, Sr. Command when he managed to climb into the front seat and take control of the car.
Police said that Brooks took off going east on Julian Jackson Drive and he was apprehended near the King Airport stoplights.
Find out what's happening in US Virgin Islandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Brooks was ultimately arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and reckless endangerment. He was unable to post bail and was turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections, pending his Advice of Rights hearing.
Start your day with the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here. And follow Patch USVI on Facebook to get the latest, breaking news.