ST. CROIX — In an effort to reduce gun violence and remove dangerous weapons from the streets, the V.I. Police Department, in collaboration with Senators Dwayne DeGraff and Franklin Johnson, hosted a Cash-for-Guns buyback event on Saturday, March 8 at the St. Croix Agriculture Fair Grounds.

The community-driven initiative resulted in the collection of 27 firearms, including four shotguns, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a pellet gun, and a flare gun. In total, over $5,500 was spent compensating residents who turned in weapons, helping to ensure that these firearms never return to the streets.

The VIPD expressed gratitude to the St. Croix community for its support of the initiative, as well as to the event’s sponsors who made the program possible. Law enforcement officials emphasized that every firearm removed from circulation contributes to a safer community.

The gun buyback initiative will continue across the territory, with two additional events scheduled:

• St. Thomas: Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Omar Brown Fire Station, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• St. John: Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the St. John Annex (Legislature Building) in Cruz Bay, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The VIPD is encouraging residents to participate in the program, turning in unwanted or illegal firearms in exchange for cash, with no questions asked. These efforts aim to reduce gun-related crimes and enhance safety in communities across the U.S. Virgin Islands.