BVI News

Bail denied | Hodge’s second gun charge in 2 years; was already on bail

Dijon Hodge

Dee Dijion Hodge, the Fat Hog’s Bay resident implicated in last weekend’s shooting incident, was denied bail in the Magistrate’ Court on Thursday after the court learnt that he was already on bail for a different gun charge from an unrelated incident where a man was murdered in 2018.

When he appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin for this year’s shooting, the court heard that Hodge was injured with the same firearm he is accused of carrying.

Only the charges of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, unlawful possession of explosives, and resisting arrest were proffered against him. Hodge had also been charged with carrying a firearm without a license and assault on police but those charges were dropped. He was not made to plead during his court appearance this week.

Allegations

The court heard that the incident occurred around 11 pm outside Bouncer’s Bar in Paraquita Bay, Tortola on Friday, January 3, 2020.

On the night in question, a police officer was at the F&S Nightclub, dressed in civilian clothing. After some time, the officer left the club and went to his private vehicle parked outside to make a phone call.

Shortly after, a vehicle carrying Hodge as a passenger arrived at the location. Two men — one with dreadlocks and the other without — then exited the club and went to the vehicle where Hodge was sitting. 

Black object

During their conversation, Hodge started speaking loudly and exited the vehicle. He reportedly poked the dreadlocks-wearing man on the chest.

It is alleged that Hodge then went to his vehicle and returned with ‘a black object’. He then allegedly proceeded to push the other man while pointing the object and continuing to speak loudly, which caused patrons to gather around to see the commotion.

The officer who was still seated inside his vehicle observed the incident as it unfolded then called his colleagues for backup.

Gunfire

The court further heard that a scuffle ensued between Hodge and the man wearing dreadlocks. The man with the dreads reportedly grabbed the hand in which Hodge was carrying the object and the sound of a gunshot was heard.

Both men continued to wrestle into the road near to the officer’s parked vehicle, and it was that time that the officer intervened.

The court heard that the cop, who was armed with his service pistol, shouted ‘armed police!’, causing the struggle to end. The object which was then identified as a Smith & Wesson .40 calibre handgun fell to the ground.

The accused fled to the verandah of one of the nightclubs and the man with the dreadlocks entered his vehicle and left the scene.

The man shot me!

The court heard that when Hodge was told that he would be arrested for the incident, he replied, “Officer the man shot me”.

He then showed the officer a fresh bleeding gunshot wound to his abdomen, the court heard. The accused then headed to the vehicle that he arrived in and headed to the direction of Road Town.

Police arrived shortly after and began their investigations.

The gun and one spent shell casing were found at the scene, and surveillance footage was retrieved from the area.

Further investigation revealed that the accused sought medical attention at the Dr D Orlando Smith hospital for the wound.

He was later arrested and charged for the offences before the court. During the police interview, he chose to remain silent, the court heard.

No Bail

In court, the Crown objected to bail, and his attorney Reynela Rawlins made no bail application to the court.

Magistrate Benjamin said after hearing the very serious allegations in the matter, and him being on bail for a similar matter, he would be remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison.

The 2018 murder incident

Hodge was a murder suspect in the fatal shooting of his business partner Tyrone Thomas in 2018.

Hodge was said to be a passenger in the vehicle along with Thomas and his girlfriend, who sustained serious injuries.

While he was not charged with murder, he was charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another, possession of an unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.

He was denied bail at the Magistrate’s Court, but it was later granted bail $100,000 bail at the High Court.

His matter was then adjourned to March 5.

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25 Comments

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  1. Canary says:

    The dude looks like his m—- s—- is out of whack.

    Like 15
  2. well meh boi says:

    how come the dread locks guy wasn’t arrested or pursued? maybe he is a rat

    Like 6
    Dislike 20
  3. ok says:

    The lodge will protect their brother

    Like 8
    Dislike 3
  4. x 2 says:

    2 gun charges and 2 burnt boats…WOW!

    Like 12
  5. badness outta style says:

    Badness don’t pay. It’s either the prison or the cemetery, pick your choice.

    Like 17
  6. No name says:

    Like father like son. Following in his father’s footsteps!

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  7. Wow says:

    Is Tape in the lodge?

  8. hmmmm says:

    Dee I am very disappointed in you… Your mother did not rise you like this…

    Like 3
    Dislike 3
  9. Fluffy says:

    @ wow.not right now!! He is in the prison?

  10. ! says:

    Don’t let him out again. If he could do more stupidness while he is out on bail, in front of a police officer, he does not deserve to be free.

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
  11. wha i seeing yah says:

    How partner moving like he tay tay or something ??

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  12. hmm says:

    Y he look like he does bend over?

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  13. Online Now says:

    Why was he out on bail? Not taking gun crime serious enough in this place!

  14. Ha says:

    He happy he going up in that hotel jail man lol

  15. Hmmm says:

    why parna look so fruity in that pic?

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