From left to right: Mugshots of Jalon Joseph, Barry Bradford and Bomani Hanley. By. VIPD
ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Crime Initiative — originally employed by V.I.P.D. Commissioner Trevor Velinor during the last quarter of 2019 — has yielded positive results in the most recent implementation of Phase 2, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima has announced. During the first few weeks of the initiative's Phase 2, three firearms were confiscated from the streets, Mr. Derima said. As of this week, the following arrests were recorded on St. Croix as part of the initiative's Phase 2.
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Firearm Possession Arrest
On August 19 around 5:34 p.m., 21-year-old Jalon Joseph of All For The Better was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, after a firearm was found during a traffic stop on East End Road, in Estate Shoys.
Controlled Substance Arrests
Shortly after Joseph’s arrest, Bomani Hanley, age 29 of Estate Rattan, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute during a traffic stop at the same location. He was found with narcotics in his possession.
On August 20, approximately 4:40 p.m., Barry Bradford, age 71 of Green Cay, was placed under arrest, charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, after narcotics were found in his vehicle and on his person during a traffic stop on the East End Road, in the vicinity of Ms. Bea Road.
Chief Sidney Elskoe applauded the efforts of the men and women of the Virgin Islands Police Department for their dedication to duty as they work diligently to reduce violent crime in the territory. The Chief also thanks the general public as there has been an increase in Crime Stoppers tips to the 1-800-222-TIPS number.
The V.I.P.D. said residents can be confident that when they call 1-800-222-TIPS, the phone is answered outside the territory, and no one can tell who is calling. “Remember, if you see something, say something,” Chief Elskoe said.
