FREDERIKSTED – A St. Croix man was charged with illegal gun and related charges after a traffic stop yielded a firearm and ammunition, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Michael A. Smith, 32, was arrested Thursday and charged with carrying of a firearm openly or concealed
and possession or sale of ammunition, according to the VIPD.
The Special Operations Bureau Tactical Team was on patrol during “Operation Set De Tone” in Frederiksted on Thursday, December 19, 2024, when officers observed a gold Chevy S-10 pickup being operated by a male without a visible license plate affixed to the front bumper of the truck, police said.
VIPD mug shot of Michael A. Smith, 32, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
SOB officers conducted a traffic stop and upon approaching the driver’s side window, the officer immediately smelled what appeared to be a strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle, according to police.
The driver, Smith, was advised that a search would be conducted of his vehicle and that he
would be patted down for any weapons or objects that can be used as a weapon for the
officers’ safety and his own safety, police said.
A pat down was conducted, and the Officer discovered a black handgun tucked in Smith’s waistline, according to police.
“The handgun was loaded with 12 live rounds and one round chambered and had an obliterated serial number,” VIPD spokeswoman Kishma Chichester said. “A search of the vehicle yielded a .22 Long Rifle Collapsible Pocket Pistol loaded with five live rounds.”
Smith does not have a license to possess or carry a firearm in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to Chichester.
Smith was immediately taken into official custody, booked and processed.
Bail for Smith was set at $50,000.00. Unable to post bail, he was jailed at the Golden Grove prison until further court action.
