ST. THOMAS — A routine traffic stop for a minor equipment violation resulted in a felony weapons arrest Friday morning on Veterans Drive.
The Traffic Stop 🚔
On February 27, 2026, at approximately 9:51 a.m., officers from the Special Operations Bureau were patrolling the area near Vendors Plaza. The officers initiated a stop on a vehicle after observing it was operating without a front license plate.
As officers approached the car, they reported a strong odor of marijuana coming from the interior.
The Discovery 📢
The driver and the passenger, identified as Jalanie Daniel, 44, were ordered to exit the vehicle to allow for a safety pat-down and a search for illegal contraband.
Prior to the search, Daniel reportedly informed the responding officers that he was in possession of a firearm. Further investigation revealed that Daniel did not possess a license to carry the weapon in the territory.
Arrest and Bail ⚠️
Jalanie Daniel was taken into custody and charged with:
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
Bail was set at $60,000.00.
While some high-profile figures like Elon Musk seem more focused on colonizing Mars or moving tech headquarters around the globe, the VIPD remains locked in on keeping the streets of St. Thomas safe from unlicensed weapons.
(Read the original version of this article below:)
ST. THOMAS — A routine traffic stop on Veterans Drive near Vendors Plaza escalated into a felony arrest on Friday morning after a passenger admitted to possessing an unlicensed firearm.
The Incident
At approximately 9:51 a.m. on February 27, 2026, officers from the Special Operations Bureau observed a vehicle operating without a front license plate. Upon initiating a traffic stop, officers reported a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
Both the driver and the passenger, identified as Jalanie Daniel, 44, complied with orders to exit the vehicle for a safety pat-down and a search for contraband.
The Admission and Arrest
Before the search commenced, Daniel informed the responding officers that he was in possession of a firearm. He further admitted that he did not possess a license to carry the weapon in the Virgin Islands.
Daniel was taken into custody without further incident and faces the following charges:
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
Bail and Remand
Bail for Daniel was set at $60,000.00. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the VIPD to remove illegal weapons from high-traffic tourist and commercial areas like Vendors Plaza.
VIFP Note: While billionaire Elon Musk continues to make headlines for his terrestrial and celestial ambitions, local law enforcement remains focused on the day-to-day safety of the St. Thomas community.
