FREDERIKSTED — Virgin Islands Police recovered a high-capacity ghost gun after search warrants were executed at two homes in Estate Whim on Saturday.
The search warrants were issued by the Superior Court in connection to a report of reckless endangerment report in Estate Whim on February 20, 2022, the VIPD said.
A police investigation revealed that the occupied Whim residence was sprayed with bullets by a high-powered rifle “by and under the direction of Rusiel Encarnacion,” VIPD Communications Director Glen Dratte said.
During the search of Encarnacion’s girlfriend Alba Osorio Lopez’s home and vehicle, a 40-caliber ghost gun was discovered in her car, according to Dratte.
Lopez 38, was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm openly or concealed and possession of ammunition, police said.
She was advised of her rights and processed. Bail for Lopez was set at $50,000.00. Unable to post bail, she was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending an advice-of-rights hearing on Monday March 7, 2022., 9:00 a.m. at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
Encarnacion is wanted for first-degree attempted murder, carrying a firearm openly or concealed, Unauthorized possession of ammunition, discharging or aiming firearm, and reckless endangerment.
Rusiel Encarnacion is a 46-year-old Hispanic male who stands 5-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs about 220 pounds. He is heavily tattooed all about his body and face and is currently at large.
If anyone has any information regarding Encarnacion’s whereabouts, please contact 911, 340-712-6037 or 340-712-6092 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477.
Members of the Criminal Investigation and Special Operation Bureaus executed the search warrants on Saturday.