Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening to Blow Up St. Thomas Hotel and Assaulting Manager

A disturbance at a St. Thomas hotel on Wednesday escalated into an assault after a man claiming ownership of the property allegedly threatened staff, made explosive statements, and punched a hotel manager in the chest, prompting a citizen’s arrest and criminal charges.

Police were called to the Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas Wednesday afternoon following reports of a physical altercation in the lobby. Officers arrived to find multiple hotel employees who identified Kamal Cannonier as the individual at the center of the incident.

According to police, Cannonier appeared disheveled and spoke incoherently, telling officers that he was the true owner of the hotel. Staff members, however, reported that Cannonier had been causing a disturbance inside the lobby prior to police arrival.

Employees told officers that when the hotel manager approached Cannonier to address the situation, he found Cannonier berating his wife. The manager intervened, at which point Cannonier reportedly became increasingly hostile. Staff said Cannonier declared himself the owner of the property, ordered everyone to leave, and threatened to blow up the building.