VIPD officers provide security during the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival J'Ouvert event. A mugshot of Te'Quan Lans was not provided by police. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM.
ST. THOMAS — One man is currently facing firearm charges after he said he picked up a gun he found lying on the ground at J'Ouvert.
A VIPD officer directing a music truck on Thursday morning says he noticed a commotion near the intersection of Veterans Drive and Raadets Gade. When he approached the disturbance to find out what was going on, he says he saw a security officer restraining another man, who he said was in possession of a firearm.
The man, subsequently identified as Te'Quan Lans, struggled to break free of the bear hug in which he was being held by the security officer. As he did so, the VIPD officer reportedly caught a glimpse of the said firearm tucked into the left side of Lans's waistband. The gun was taken by police, while Lans was eventually subdued, handcuffed, and transported to the Richard Callwood Command police station.
After officers discovered that there was no record of Lans being licensed to carry a firearm in the Virgin Islands, he reportedly agreed to provide them with a statement.
According to documents submitted to court, Lans said he was walking near Vendors Plaza when he noticed what appeared to be a physical altercation between a group of people. Approaching the scene, Lans said he noticed on the ground what appeared to be two links from a broken chain. As he attempted to retrieve them, he also spotted a black handgun. Lans said he picked up the firearm and concealed it in his waist.
Lans told police that he was trying to leave the fracas with jewelry and gun in his possession when he was nabbed by authorities. Admitting that he did not have a valid license to carry a firearm, Lans was reportedly unable to explain why he decided to pick up the gun, identified as a .40 caliber Glock 23.
He was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. Unable to meet the initial bail requirement, he was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.
In court on Friday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis found probable cause to uphold both charges against Lans. She ordered that he be released from detention upon the payment of 10% of the $50,000 bail requirement. If he is able to do so, Lans will then be required to contact the probation office each week by telephone, and immediately begin a documented search for work. He will also be restricted from traveling outside the district without written permission from the court.
The next court appearance for Lans is scheduled for May 16.
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