ST. THOMAS — A man has been charged for grand larceny and vehicle tampering after he reportedly stole a backpack from a vehicle at a gas station.

Police were summoned to the gas station during the morning time of Monday, May 9, in reference to a report of grand larceny. The woman whose property was stolen told police that she had exited her vehicle and went into the store to pay for her gas. According to her statement, she left the vehicle unlocked with the windows up, as she did not expect to be gone long. After pumping her gas, she returned to her vehicle to leave but observed that her backpack was missing from the front passenger seat. She stated that the backpack contained an iPad, cash, documents and other personal items. She told police that she had not given anyone permission to remove her personal items from the vehicle. 

Upon realizing her items were missing, the woman went back into the store and asked a member of staff to review the surveillance footage. According to the probable cause fact sheet, while doing so they observed the suspect, later identified as Julien Testamark aka ‘Mouleek’. The fact sheet states that police traveled to Testamark’s residence on Tuesday to obtain the backpack. However, police say he was locked inside the home and appeared intoxicated, as he began to yell at the officers. Testamark reportedly told police that they would have to break down the door as he did not intend to come outside. He further claimed that he had thrown the backpack into a dumpster along with all its contents and stated that he would repay the owner for the items. Officers were ultimately unable to get Testamark to exit his house.

On Thursday morning, police received information that he was in the area of Oswald Harris Court and traveled there to apprehend him. According to the fact sheet, he was very calm during this second encounter and surrendered without the use of any force. He reportedly told police that he was high and drunk and now he “is hungry and he wants help.” Testamark was transported to the Criminal Investigation Bureau where he was placed under arrest, with bail being set at $20,000. The fact sheet does not state whether or not the stolen items were recovered or returned to the owner.

On Friday, Testamark appeared before a judge who concluded that he would be released on bail upon the posting of 10 percent of the $20,000. He has been ordered to stay away from the gas station under all circumstances. The defendant is also ordered to remain at least 20 feet away from the woman whose property he stole.

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