ST. THOMAS — Two men are facing criminal charges following an incident at a Charlotte Amalie bar where one allegedly took the other's firearm, returned to the establishment and threatened to shoot everyone inside.
The incident occurred late Friday, November 6, when police officers on patrol were alerted to a firearm threat at a bar on Wimmelskafts Gade, commonly known as Back Street.
Upon arriving, officers spoke with the establishment's owner, who identified Venal Maynard and Vincent Brooks as the individuals involved.
According to the owner's account to police, Maynard became involved in a confrontation with another patron before leaving the bar. He allegedly obtained a firearm from Brooks, returned to the establishment and began waving the weapon while threatening to shoot the patrons.
Officers began conducting a pat-down of Maynard, during which Brooks allegedly attempted to escape.
Police say Brooks walked quickly westward toward Market Square before a foot chase developed. He reportedly fled down Guttet's Gade and turned onto Konprindsens Gade, where pursuing officers apprehended him.
During a subsequent pat-down, officers allegedly discovered a handgun concealed in the front waistband of Brooks's pants.
He reportedly acknowledged that he did not possess a license to carry a firearm in the Virgin Islands.
Forensic technicians later identified the weapon as a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic handgun containing live ammunition in a 15-round magazine. Police say Brooks also possessed two additional 15-round magazines, both containing live rounds.
Officers reportedly recovered several transparent plastic bags containing a substance that tested positive for marijuana during a field examination. The bags were found inside a satchel Brooks was carrying, along with a scale.
Brooks was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and fleeing and evading.
Maynard was separately arrested and charged with constructive possession of a firearm, third-degree assault, brandishing and exhibiting a deadly weapon, and disturbance of the peace.
Both men were initially held on $50,000 bail and remanded into custody pending their advice-of-rights hearings.
During Monday's hearing, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold the charges against both defendants.
Each man was permitted to secure pretrial release by posting $2,599 in cash toward the $50,000 bail amount, with the remaining balance covered by an unsecured bond.
Upon release, both must report in person to the probation office twice weekly and comply with the court's other standard bail conditions.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 4.
The charges remain allegations, and neither man has been convicted in connection with the incident.
