Police take 3 more guns off the streets

St. Thomas, USVI-Three firearms were confiscated by police on St. Thomas in two separate incidences over the weekend.On Friday, February 27 at about 11:14 p.m. the Special Operations Bureau supervised by Lt. Melvin Venzen responded to a 911 emergency call reporting that a concerned citizen saw a rifle in the back seat of a passenger vehicle. 

SOB located and stopped the vehicle, a white Chrysler Sebring, which was traveling in the area of Lower Kronprindsens Gade and observed the firearm in plain sight in the backseat.
 
The weapon is a 223 caliber Kel Tech Assault rifle with two 30 round magazines and a telescopic lens. 37-year-old Lincoln Benjamin, of Anna’s Retreat, was arrested and charged with Possession of an unlicensed firearm. His bail was set at $35,000. He was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing.

On Saturday, February 28 at about 11:20 p.m. the Special Operations Bureau responded to a 911 call of shots fired in the Kirwin Terrace housing community. Officers inspected the area and located two firearms concealed under a mat at the rear of Building 19. The weapons were described as a 44 Magnum Ruger and a 9mm handgun. The weapons will be processed by the Forensic Bureau. No arrests were made in this case.

Police Chief Rodney F. Querrard thanked the public for providing the information that removed three dangerous firearms from the community. 

Also on Friday, February 27 at about 6:45 p.m. Police on St. Thomas were alerted to a Robbery First Degree in Anna’s Retreat, area of Cassi Hill. The 46-year-old male victim told police he was driving home in his vehicle when three armed males stopped him and demanded his cash and jewelry. He gave the suspects his gold chain, cell phone and more than $100 in cash. The victim also reported his vehicle window was damaged by an unknown object during the robbery.  The suspects were wearing black clothing and appeared to be under the age of 18, according to the victim. The case is being followed up by the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

That same evening at about 11:24 p.m. Nelson Ruiz Danio, 56, of Vitraco Park was arrested and charged with Assault in the Third Degree, Domestic Violence. According to the initial police report, following an argument in the area of Vitraco Park, Danio stabbed a 43-year-old female in her back causing a non-life threatening wound. The victim was treated at the Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center. Danio was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending an advice of rights hearing.

Chief Querrard encouraged citizens to continue to call with information on criminal activity.  Numbers to call are emergency 911, the Investigation Bureau at 715-5522 or the Chief’s office at 715-5548. Residents can also call Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.