St. Thomas Woman Charged With Child Neglect After Son Repeatedly Rode ATV on Public Roads

ST. THOMAS — A St. Thomas woman was arrested on charges related to negligent parenting after police determined she repeatedly allowed her minor son to unlawfully operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public roadway, despite multiple warnings about the dangers involved, according to the V.I. Police Department.

The arrest stems from an incident on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when Nicole Hazel appeared at the VIPD Juvenile Bureau at approximately 3:58 p.m. in connection with her minor son being placed into protective custody. Police said the child was taken into custody after officers observed him operating an ATV illegally on a public road.

According to investigators, Hazel had been advised on numerous occasions by both the Juvenile Bureau and patrol officers about the risks posed by her son’s actions. Those warnings, police said, included concerns about the danger to the child himself, other motorists, and the broader community. Officers also advised Hazel of her parental responsibilities and said she acknowledged having knowledge that her son continued to operate motor vehicles unlawfully.

Following the investigation, Hazel was placed under arrest and charged with Neglect of Parental Duty Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Child Neglect, police said. She was booked, processed, and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending her Advice of Rights hearing.

VIPD said the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact 911 or the Office of the Police Chief.