Hospital Ground Man Nabbed At CEK Airport Trying To Leave With Gun In Duffel Bag: VIPD

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas man who apparently wasn’t aware that Hospital Ground is under increased surveillance has been arrested on illegal gun charges, authorities said.

Akeem Dijhani Julien, 24, of Hospital Ground, was arrested about 4:45 p.m. Sunday and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

“Julien was observed on surveillance placing a black firearm into a duffel bag in Hospital Ground, in the vicinity of Jah Yard on April 8,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.

Julien was detained by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Cyril E. King Airport attempting to leave the island.

“HSI contacted VIPD detectives, who placed Julien under arrest,” Derima said.

Bail for Julien was set at $25,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the custody of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC) pending an advice-of-rights hearing.

This case is currently under active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is urged to call 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 extension 5579 or the paying anonymous tip line Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).