On Dec. 14, during “Operation Set De Tone,” Special Operations Bureau officers made two arrests and recovered two illegal firearms, the V.I. Police Department reported.
At approximately 1:01 p.m., while patrolling Northside Road near the G Max Service Station, officers observed a Toyota Tacoma driven by a Hispanic male who was not wearing a seat belt. The vehicle made a U-turn and returned to the service station area. Officers conducted a traffic stop. Upon approaching the driver, Jose Pesante, 36, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from both Pesante and his vehicle. A search of Pesante and his vehicle was conducted for officer and subject safety. Pesante disclosed having a firearm on his person, and officers discovered a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” tucked in his waistband. Pesante did not possess a license to carry a firearm, according to the police report.
Later, at approximately 10:32 p.m., while on foot patrol on Queen Cross Street near the Caravelle Casino, officers observed a male walking south with the handle of a firearm protruding from his shirt. An investigatory stop was conducted, and officers discovered an unlicensed, loaded 9mm caliber handgun concealed in the male’s waistband. The individual was identified as Judah Donadelle, 22, the police report stated.
Both Pesante and Donadelle were arrested for carrying a firearm openly and concealed and possession or sale of ammunition. Bail was set at $50,000 for each, the report stated.
