By JOHN F. McCARTHY/V.I. Free Press Staff
ST. CROIX, USVI — A three-month pursuit concluded Friday as the Virgin Islands Police Department apprehended 23-year-old Joshawn Ayala, a suspect who had previously fled the territory to evade illegal firearm and narcotics charges.
October Seizure
The investigation traces back to October 22, 2025, when VIPD officers intercepted an Acura RDX at Moe’s Service Station. The vehicle, linked to an ongoing investigation involving Ayala and an illegal firearm, was seized while Ayala was at the wheel, accompanied by a passenger, Lloyd Ferdinand.
A subsequent search warrant executed the following day by the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) turned up a cache of evidence, including a firearm, ammunition, and various narcotics.
Flight and Return
While the Superior Court issued arrest warrants for both men on November 7, only Ferdinand was taken into custody at his residence on November 15. Ayala managed to flee the territory, successfully evading local authorities for two months.
However, the “pane of glass” through which the VIPD monitors the territory remained clear. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the St. Croix District received actionable intelligence that Ayala had returned to the island.
The Arrest
Acting on that information, officers detained Ayala without incident on Friday, January 16. The 23-year-old now faces a litany of serious charges, including:
- Carrying a Firearm (Open or Concealed)
- Possession of Ammunition
- Cocaine Trafficking
- Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Current Status
Unable to post the $50,000 bail set by the Magistrate Judge, Ayala was remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility. He is currently awaiting his advice-of-rights hearing.