Suspect hits police officer, drives with officers hanging from Jeep during chase in Frenchtown

ST. THOMAS — A man who unsuccessfully attempted a Hollywood-style escape when approached by police is now charged with numerous crimes.‌

According to court documents, in the early hours of Saturday morning, two police officers walking through the parking lot of a nightclub in Frenchtown encountered two men, one preparing marijuana as if to smoke, and the other holding an alcoholic beverage. The officers advised the men to leave the area, which they complied with.

As the men walked away, police noticed a bulge on the right side of the man wearing a white shirt, who was later identified as Lavelle Campbell II. The bulge appeared to the officers to be a firearm, and so they approached Campbell and asked him to produce a permit for the weapon.‌

Campbell allegedly ignored the request, instead trying to insert his key into the ignition of the white Jeep Wrangler he entered. One of the officers had climbed onto the vehicle’s running board to signal to colleagues that she needed help, when the Wrangler suddenly began reversing at a high rate of speed, then accelerated toward a nearby McDonald’s as the The agent was clinging to the still open door for dear life.

Ignoring the other officers’ cries to stop, Campbell continued driving, hitting another officer with the Jeep’s front bumper and nearly knocking him to the ground. With the driver still swaying erratically from left to right while the vehicle was in motion, the officer holding the Jeep was able to maneuver inside, leaning against Campbell to avoid falling.

Undeterred, Campbell allegedly continued driving, sideswiping several parked vehicles with the Wrangler’s door open as he passed near Frenchtown Ball Park. The officer inside the vehicle claims she struck the errant driver several times with her flashlight, yelling at him to stop the vehicle. In response, Campbell sped off instead, apparently continuing to rock the Jeep in an attempt to force the officer out.

He allegedly ran on Veterans Drive, heading west in the eastbound lane, toward the old Cancryn Bridge, with the officer yelling and pleading with him to stop. Campbell finally complied near West Cemetery, stopping facing west in the eastbound lane. He took a black firearm from the right side of his waistband and handed it to the officer, who removed the keys from the Wrangler’s ignition and revved the vehicle.

Telling the shaken officer that he was dealing with a lot of stress, Campbell allegedly asked if anything could be fixed. Another officer caught up with him where he finally stopped and attempted to arrest him, leading to a brief scuffle before he was able to handcuff him. Despite declining medical care, Campbell was nonetheless taken to be treated for a facial abrasion.

The weapon Campbell turned over to police turned out to be a Glock 19 containing a full magazine of 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition. He was ultimately charged with possession or use of a dangerous weapon during a crime or attempted crime of violence, first and third degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm unlicensed fire within 1,000 feet of a playground, illegal possession of ammunition, aggravated assault and battery. of an officer, first degree reckless endangerment, obstructing an officer in the performance of his duties, disobeying a lawful order, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest.

On Monday, Campbell appeared before Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull, who found probable cause to uphold all charges against him. Bail was reduced from $100,000 to $50,000, and Campbell was allowed to post 10 percent of the total to secure his release before trial.‌

Once released, he will have to report in person to the probation office twice a week. Campbell must also surrender his driver’s license and passport. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 18.