Crime
Santo Charles is AT LARGE, Bench Warrant issued for Arrest
By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – A dangerous mentally challenged man, Santo Charles, 35 is at large and he has failed to attend court; missing a critical hearing on Monday May 30.
Charles is charged with the April 2, 2023 stabbing of a tourist early morning, in Grace Bay Providenciales. According to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force (RTCIPF) following investigations, the Serious Crimes unit has charged Santo Charles with the offence of: wounding; carrying an offensive weapon; four counts of using an offensive weapon, so as to cause fear and assault on Police.
On the morning of the incident, videos and images captured by onlookers showed a white car stationary in the middle of the street in Grace Bay, with the visiting tourist who was the occupant of that vehicle.
During a confrontation with the male assailant, the tourist received knife wounds and was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was treated.
Charles who appeared irritated was seen brandishing a weapon and repeating the words “I’m willing to negotiate,” to
Other eyewitness videos showed the suspect lunging at officers who confronted him; seemingly in an attempt to make an arrest and offer assistance to the victim described as a 49-year-old man.
Prior to the incident on Sunday, Charles was in police custody overnight, having been involved in an unrelated incident at a resort where he caused a disturbance.
The incident involving the US tourist happened shortly after his release, according to the Commissioner of Police.
Magnetic Media can further report that upon the accused man’s appearance before the court in April, he was initially remanded in custody to the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation and later released on bail.
He’s represented by attorney, Finbar Grant.
On Monday May 30, the Hon. Chief Magistrate Mr. Jolyon Hatmin before ordering that a bench warrant be issued for his immediate apprehension was told that the person who signed Charles’ bail reported that he had to forced him to take his medication and he refused his injections.
Charles’ surety reported that he had to go to the hospital and when he returned, Charles had already packed his bags and left.
Charles has not been seen since and his whereabouts are unknown.
The Surety had sent word to the court through an email correspondence, requesting that his name be removed as surety for SANTO CHARLES.
The Chief Magistrate was not pleased with the email communication of the surety and directed a summons to be issued for him to attend court in person to show cause.
The matter was adjourned to June 5, 2023.