Raheem Christian, a 28-year-old resident of Beeston Hill on St. Croix, was arrested at noon Thursday and charged with carrying a firearm, openly or concealed.
Officers of the V.I. Police Department Special Operations Bureau, investigating an unrelated matter in Estate Pearl, conducted a traffic stop of a black Honda sedan occupied by Christian and another man. Officers observed a firearm in the vehicle, and after a firearms check with the Department’s Firearms Bureau, it was confirmed the firearm was unlicensed.
Police said Christian admitted ownership of the firearm and arrested him. Bail was set at $50,000 and unable to post bail, he was placed in the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing.
St. Croix District Chief of Police Sean Santos praised the officers for their tenacity in finding the illegal firearm.
“Our officers continue to work hard to find all unlicensed firearms. With the community’s support, we will keep working to rid our streets of illegal guns,” Santos said.
Police urged anyone with information about the case to call 911, the Crime TipLine at 340-778-4950, or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS). Reports to Crime Stoppers that help resolve a crime can earn the caller an anonymous cash reward.
