Five people were arrested on St. Thomas Friday for possession of unlicensed firearms, the V.I. Police Department reported.
On Friday, VIPD, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and Forensics were dispatched to the area of Tiffany Lane, a side road of Limetree Beach Road, regarding a call that there were five people in the area, wearing no shirts and were in possession of firearms, according to the police report.
Officers traveled to the scene and began a search of the immediate area for the men. Upon contacting the people in a Jeep Wrangler, they were directed to exit the vehicle and briefly detained. Officers observed in plain view inside the vehicle several firearms. After the discovery of the firearms, all the individuals were taken into custody without further incident. None of the suspects possess a license to carry a firearm in the USVI, the police report stated.
Arrested at 8:34 p.m. were 28-year-old Raheem Murray; 35-year-old Isaiah Murray; 30-year-old Jelani Hodge; 21-year-old Taheem Jarvis, and 18-year-old Giovanna Roumou. They all face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm (constructive possession), unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a “Ghost Gun” with no serial number. Bail was set at $200,000 each, the police report stated.
“Here is another example of Law Enforcement and community collaboration. This multiple arrest could not have been done without the community’s input. The VIPD thanks the community and officers in the apprehension of these five individuals. Only God knows what the possible outcome may have taken place. We assured our residents we will utilize all necessary resources to ensure the safety of all for the 71st Carnival Celebration. Thank you.”, said Steven Payne, Police Chief of St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island.
This case is presently under investigation, any persons having information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mariel C. Newton Command at (340)775-3445, or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340)774-2211 ext. 5576/5572. Persons can also contact 911, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1(800)222-TIPS, the Chief’s Office at (340)715-5548 or the Commissioner’s Office at (340)715-5506.
