Mugshot of Jalanie Daniel. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — A routine traffic stop near Vendors Plaza last Friday night led to the arrest of a passenger after police discovered an unlicensed firearm during a pat-down search.
Officers on patrol initiated the stop after observing that the vehicle was missing its front license plate. The driver reportedly told officers that the missing plate was inside the vehicle. During the interaction, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana, prompting them to ask both the driver and passenger to exit the vehicle.
Before officers conducted a pat-down search, the passenger, identified as Jalanie Daniel, informed them that he was carrying a firearm. He reportedly admitted that the weapon was not licensed.
Police located the firearm — a black Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol — tucked into Mr. Daniel’s waistband. Further investigation revealed that the weapon was loaded with several rounds of ammunition. Mr. Daniel was immediately placed under arrest.
He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. After failing to meet the initial bail requirement of $60,000, Mr. Daniel was remanded into custody pending his advice of rights hearing.
During a court appearance on Monday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold the charges. The court allowed Mr. Daniel to post $1,000 in cash toward bail, with the remaining amount secured through an unsecured bond.
Conditions of release include reporting to the probation office twice weekly in person and compliance with standard prohibitions against possession of controlled substances and dangerous weapons.
Mr. Daniel’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 20.
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