CHRISTIANSTED — A St. Croix man was detained after a shooting near a Richmond nightclub over the weekend. No injuries were reported.
Juan Aponte Ramos, 27, was arrested and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, carrying of a firearm openly or concealed, possession of ammunition, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The Special Operations Bureau (SOB) Tactical Team and K9 Unit were alerted by the ShotSpotter application of gunshots being discharged in Estate Richmond in the vicinity of the Magician Nightclub at about 11:07 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, according to the VIPD.
The Special Operations Bureau Officers and K9 officers immediately responded, police said.
During that time, the 911 Emergency Caller Center also received reports by citizens of discharging of shots in the area, according to police.
As the officers approached the area, a second and third set of gunshots rang out, turning their
attention to a male sitting in a black vehicle on the east side of the Magician Nightclub, police said.
Bar patrons standing outside of the establishment also directed the officers to the male in the
black vehicle as the person who discharged the gunshots, according to police.
As officers approached the vehicle Aponte Ramos exited the driver’s side door, when he was observed holding a black handgun, police said.
Aponte Ramos tucked the handgun into his waistband as he attempted to flee from the officers, according to police.
The suspect was ordered to drop the handgun; however, he ignored the officers’ commands, police said.
The officers tactically advanced on the male and apprehended him, according to police.
“He (Aponte Ramos) was disarmed of the firearm and placed under arrest,” VIPD spokeswoman Kishma Chichester said.
Aponte Ramos’ bail was set at $30,000.00. Unable to post bail, he was transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility in Estate Golden Grove.
He was scheduled for an advice-of-rights hearing at the Superior Court in Estate Kingshill this morning.
