Pumps, Plates, and Pains: Chaotic Gas Station Brawl Leads to DUI Arrest in St. Thomas

By JOHN McCARTHY / St. Croix Sun News Reporter

Chaos at the Pump

A chaotic chain of events at a St. Thomas gas station ended with a local man behind bars after a physical altercation escalated into a driving under the influence arrest.

According to court documents filed on June 18, 2026, the incident began on Wednesday evening when Police Detective Eliana Rijo and Officer Brad Francis were dispatched to the Giant Gas Station on Rumar Road. On-site management informed officers that a physical fight between customers had erupted outside the station near pumps 7 and 9.

One of the men involved, identified as Justin Nash Davis, had already left the immediate scene with the assistance of the station manager, who provided him with a gasoline container and a ride to his vehicle—a white Jeep Grand Cherokee—parked in the Havensight area. According to the manager, Davis explicitly stated he was returning to the gas station and instructed him to call the police.

The Return and the Arrest

While Detective Rijo waited at pump 15, Davis returned to the station, operating the white Jeep Grand Cherokee. Upon making contact with Davis as he exited the driver's side of the vehicle, the detective reported a strong odor of alcohol, noting that Davis was speaking loudly and aggressively while complaining of visible back injuries.

The situation grew increasingly erratic when forensic personnel arrived. Crime Scene Technician Debra Mahoney attempted to photograph Davis’s injuries, but Davis reportedly acted irrationally and refused to comply with instructions. Though he initially requested medical attention, Davis subsequently signed a waiver and refused treatment when the first ambulance arrived.

Refusals and Remand

Davis was detained and transported to the Richard N. Callwood Command’s Traffic Bureau, where he was advised of his Miranda rights. While at the bureau, Davis continued to complain of back pain and a second ambulance was called. Meanwhile, Davis refused to perform field sobriety tests or submit to chemical testing of his blood.

He was ultimately transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center emergency room, where he received an X-ray and treatment for a back abrasion. Following medical clearance, Davis was transported to the booking room and officially charged with Driving Under the Influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance (20 V.I.C. § 493(a)(1)).

Bail was set by order of the court at $1,000.00. Unable to post the required amount, Davis was turned over to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections pending his Advice of Rights hearing.