ST. CROIX — A machete-wielding man robbed Sonya’s Fine Island Jewelry on Company Street in Christiansted Thursday afternoon and was arrested less than two hours later after officers located him on Mount Welcome Road, The Consortium has learned.
VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte subsequently confirmed the incident to The Consortium, including that the Special Operations Bureau responded and apprehended the suspect as part of a 90-day agreement among law-enforcement agencies aimed at strengthening the territory’s response to robberies and burglaries.
The robbery occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. Multiple calls were made to the 911 Emergency Call Center reporting an incident at the jewelry store, prompting an immediate police response.
According to witnesses, a man entered the business, pulled a machete and threatened employees before leaving with what police described as a large amount of jewelry, cash and employees’ personal belongings.
Police immediately began searching the area, and a Special Operations Bureau team located the suspect on Mount Welcome Road. Officers recovered the stolen jewelry and arrested 47-year-old Andrew Joseph at approximately 4:13 p.m. — about one hour and 43 minutes after the robbery was reported.
The swift arrest comes amid VIPD’s ongoing 90-day crime-surge initiative, under which law-enforcement resources have been intensified in response to robberies, burglaries, shootings, home invasions and other serious crimes across the territory.
Police Commissioner Mario Brooks said earlier this week that the operation had already resulted in several arrests and the detention of individuals considered persons of interest.
“We’ve made several arrests, and taken several persons of interest into custody,” Brooks said.
The commissioner has said VIPD intends to maintain the stepped-up enforcement effort through the Crucian Christmas Festival season and longer if necessary. The initiative includes surge and saturated patrols as well as the deployment of special operations teams.
Joseph was charged with first-degree robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime of violence, first-degree assault, third-degree assault, grand larceny and destruction of property.
His bail was set at $75,000.
Joseph was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was booked, and was subsequently taken to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility.
His Advice of Rights hearing was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Friday at the V.I. Superior Court in Kingshill.
