CHARLOTTE AMALIE — “Operation 10-Day Rush,” as part of Phase 2 of the Virgin Islands Crime Initiative (VICI) was implemented by Police Commissioner Trevor Velinor to take “firearms and drugs from our streets,” the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
On August 24, officers arrested Shaquil James, 24, of Bonne Esperance, charging him with Possession of Unlicensed Firearm and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, according to the VIPD.
James was found in a vehicle in the parking lot of a business in Havensight Mall with a backpack that contained a handgun with the serial number obliterated, police said.
On August 26, police arrested Kyambo Adams, 37, of Anna’s Retreat, and charged him with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.
Police were conducting patrols in the Smith Bay area when they met Adams, who was found with a gun and a considerable amount of marijuana, according to Derima.
On August 28, Lyndon Thompson, 49, of Charlotte Amalie, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Thompson. He was found with cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, according to the VIPD.
St. Thomas/St. John Chief of Police Steven Phillip thanked Deputy Chiefs Richard Velazquez and Vivian Newton for their leadership and praised the men and women in blue for their dedication to public safety.
Chief Phillip also said that he “encourages the community to continue coming forward with tips as we have seen an increase in the information coming forward to assist the VIPD in reducing violent crime in the territory.”
“If you see, hear, or know something, please continue to say something,” Chief Phillip said.
Residents can continue to anonymously call Crime Stoppers USVI at 1(800) 222-8477 and they will remain anonymous and eligible for a reward.