Mugshot of Cai Jonte Andrew. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — One man is facing firearm and ammunition charges following a traffic stop on Norre Gade.
According to court documents, police officers were conducting traffic enforcement operations on Norre Gade last Wednesday evening when they spotted a black Infiniti with no front license plate. The vehicle came to a stop in the roadway, forcing the cars behind to have to maneuver around. Upon seeing officers approach in their police vehicle, however, the driver of the Infiniti reversed, turned onto Kirke Strade, and parked.
The driver then exited and began to walk away. Police say that when they ordered him to stop, he reportedly told them that he was going to get some lunch.
He did return to the vehicle to look for documents the police had requested, and submitted to a pat down. Identified as Cai Jonte Andrew, he allegedly responded in the negative when police asked whether there was anything in the vehicle they should be aware of.
Nonetheless, a search of the car revealed a backpack in the back seat that reportedly contained a Ruger pistol with a round in the chamber and an extended 20-round magazine attached. The magazine was reportedly filled with 19 rounds, described by police as “armor piercing.” The serial number on the firearm was obliterated, police say. Andrew, 19, allegedly informed officers that he was too young for a firearm license when asked if the gun was registered.
He was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and possession of ammunition.
In court on Friday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis found probable cause to uphold all charges against Andrew, and set bail at $50,000. He will be required to pay 5% of that amount in cash to secure his release ahead of trial. Once released from detention, Andrew will be required to abide by a daily 9 pm to 6 am curfew, and report to the probation office once a week by telephone. His passport and driver's license must be surrendered, and he is restricted from traveling outside the jurisdiction without the court's written permission.
The next court appearance for Mr. Andrew is scheduled for August 8.
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