Special Operations Bureau officers utilized the ShotSpotter application to pinpoint shots fired on St. Croix Wednesday, the V.I. Police Department reported Saturday.
Officers responded to a 911 call Wednesday regarding shots fired in the Estate Sion Farms area. While traveling to the scene, the responding officers utilized the ShotSpotter application system to pinpoint the exact location of the reported gunshots that were fired, according to the police report.
During the investigation, officers spoke with several residents who stated that they heard two gunshots fired and indicated the location of the property. As officers continued their search of the southern side of the house, they recovered two spent bullet casings. Announcing their presence to any occupants of the house, the officers got no response. However, using their flashlights to look through the clear glass window of a bedroom, the officers observed what appeared to be the black handle of a firearm on a shelf in the closet in plain view. Contact was made with the landlord and tenant of the apartment and the tenant was advised of the officers’ observation and gave written consent to search the apartment, the police report stated.
Later that evening, John Carlos Ventura, 27, made a report at the Wilbur Francis Command that he discharged two shots at two male individuals that were inside his yard, the report stated.
Ventura was placed under arrest for carrying of a firearm, openly or concealed and reckless endangerment. His bail was set at $50,000 and he was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, police said.
According to Chief Sean Santos, “this is just the beginning of the VIPD utilizing technology to aid in law enforcement. Those who are caught conducting these acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. The VIPD discourages anyone from taking part in celebratory gunfire (discharging of shots) in the territory.”
If you know of anyone discharging shots in your area, please call 911, the VIPD Tipline at (340) 778-4950 or the Chief’s office at (340) 778-2211.
