ST. THOMAS — Traffic enforcement in the Lindquist Beach area of St. Thomas led to the arrest of a man found carrying an unlicensed handgun, according to the V.I. Police Department.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday morning around 11 a.m., when officers from the Special Operations Bureau were conducting routine traffic checks along Emile Milo Francis Drive. According to court documents, police noticed a white Acura TSX with no front license plate and an illegally tinted windshield, prompting a traffic stop. As officers approached the vehicle, they detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside when the windows were lowered.

Both the driver and the passenger were asked to step out of the vehicle while officers conducted a search. On the passenger seat, officers found a brown satchel, which passenger Chayanne Baron identified as his own. Inside the bag, officers discovered a black Glock 43 handgun. Upon questioning, Baron admitted he did not possess a license for the firearm, leading to his immediate arrest. He was subsequently charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and unauthorized possession of ammunition.

With an initial bail set at $50,000, Baron was unable to secure his release and was taken into custody. In court on Thursday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold both charges against Baron, and allowed him to satisfy his bail with an unsecured bond for the full amount. He must, however, report to the probation office twice a week in person, and must not obtain a driver's license while trial is pending.

Baron's next court appearance is scheduled for November 15.