Mugshot of Michael Gore Jr. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A man found with a loaded gun in a vehicle was arrested and charged after reportedly admitting to police that he purchased the unlicensed weapon on the mainland and smuggled it into the territory.
According to court documents, on Monday evening, 911 Dispatch alerted officers to a man driving a Red Chrysler 200 who was carrying a firearm in the area of French Town. Officers tracked the vehicle down to the Subbase area and made a traffic stop.
The driver, Michael Gore Jr., was in the vehicle with the Chrysler’s owner in the passenger seat. At first, when police asked Gore about the strong marijuana odor emanating from the vehicle, he denied having drugs or weapons in the car. However, a “wingspan” search of the vehicle, according to arresting officers, yielded a Taurus G3 pistol loaded with several 9mm rounds, with one in the chamber.
Gore reportedly admitted to not having a license for the weapon, allegedly telling the officers that he purchased the gun in Ohio and flew back to the territory with it in his possession. He was detained and taken to the Criminal Investigations Bureau where he reportedly claimed full ownership of the firearm. He was then arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition, and remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.
In court on Tuesday, Magistrate Simone Van-Holten Turnbull found probable cause to uphold the charges against Gore, and allowed him to satisfy his $50,000 bail requirement with an unsecured bond for the full amount. Once released, Gore will be required to report to the probation office in person twice a week. The judge also ordered him to abide by a daily curfew from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and to immediately commence a biweekly work search. He is banned from using alcohol or any controlled substance while the case is pending, and similarly banned from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
Mr. Gore’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 23.
