CHARLOTTE AMALE — A 25-year-old man is in custody after a routine traffic stop for an obstructed roadway led to a foot chase and the recovery of an unlicensed firearm on Sunday afternoon.
The Incident
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, officers with the Special Operations Bureau were on patrol when they observed an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) obstructing traffic near the NUVO Lounge on Norre Gade, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
When officers approached the operator, identified as Angel Guerrero, to address the traffic infraction, Guerrero allegedly dismounted the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. During the pursuit, he discarded a satchel bag he had been wearing across his chest, according to the VIPD.
Arrest and Discovery
Officers successfully detained Guerrero and recovered the discarded bag, police said. Upon inspection, police discovered a handgun inside the satchel, according to police.
A subsequent investigation into the vehicle revealed a string of violations. According to police reports, the ATV was:
- Unregistered
- Uninsured
- Affixed with illegal license plates
Charges and Bail
Guerrero was advised of his constitutional rights and placed under arrest. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
- Possession of Ammunition
- Impeding the Flow of Traffic
- Operating an Uninsured and Unregistered Vehicle
- Illegal Transfer of Plates
Bail for Guerrero has been set at $75,000. The case remains under investigation by the Virgin Islands Police Department.