A 29-year-old Grove Place man was charged Monday with possession of 76 grams of crack cocaine after police said he threw a bag containing the substance from his car while trying to flee pursuing officers.
Police said they began pursuing Sylvester Christopher's vehicle after it made an illegal turn in Frederiksted. When officers tried to pull him over, he attempted to flee in the car, according to police, but collided with a squad car as he turned a corner.
After the collision, police said, Christopher tossed something out of a window of his car. At the scene, police found a plastic bag with approximately 76 grams of crack.
Possession of crack with intent to sell it is a violation of federal law. Christopher had his initial appearance in District Court on Monday. He is being held in custody until a detention hearing, which is scheduled for May 3.
Conviction of possession of crack with intent to distribute carries a maximum penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a maximum fine of $4 million.
