‘I’m a Bellevue patient’ - Benz crasher says he is schizophrenic

A psychiatric evaluation was requested for 30-year-old Nicholas Thompson, the Corporate Area man who allegedly went on a joyride at the Stewart's Auto Group showroom on South Camp Road, damaging a 2024 Mercedes Benz and two gates.

Thompson, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of malicious destruction of property and driving motor vehicle without owner's consent, was remanded in custody until January 16, 2024.

"I'm on medication from Bellevue. I have a nurse friend that help me get my medication," the accused said when he was arraigned on Monday. He informed Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque that he was diagnosed as being schizophrenic and received his medication in the form of injections on "the first Monday of this month [October]".

Prosecutors alleged that Thompson visited the auto group's headquarters on October 21, about 10 p.m., and attempted to drive the vehicle off the compound. Two gates were damaged.

"This one is brazen. Do you remember going to the property?" the judge quizzed.

"No, Your Honour," Thompson said.

The investigator informed the court that the incident was captured on CCTV footage.

The accused man asked the judge to grant him bail, arguing that he is not a flight risk. However, Cole-Montaque denied his request.

"Let me first be satisfied that he can understand the charges being put before him. This was so brazen," the judge indicated, ordering the court police to note the order for a psychiatric evaluation.

Thompson was also made the subject of a fingerprint order.