Mugshot of Tyler Jackson. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — A traffic stop prompted by an apparent window-tint violation and missing front license plate led police to a Glock that had previously been reported stolen from a St. Croix grocery store, with the driver allegedly first claiming he was licensed before admitting that he had no firearm license.
Tyler Jackson was arrested Saturday on unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition charges. On Monday, Magistrate Christopher Timmons found probable cause to uphold both charges and ordered Jackson released after he posted 5 percent of a $50,000 bail requirement, with the remainder signed as an unsecured bond.
The encounter began Saturday afternoon as officers conducted traffic enforcement near Climax nightclub. Police said they spotted a black Nissan Altima without a front license plate and with windshield tint that appeared to violate the Virgin Islands Code. Officers also noticed the driver repeatedly looking back at the uniformed officers as he passed and decided to follow the vehicle.
The Altima eventually stopped just west of Best Homes on Queen Mary Highway. Mr. Jackson, who was driving, initially guessed that officers had stopped him because of the vehicle’s tint.
While requesting his documents, officers said they discovered a black plastic bag with empty vials inside a clear sandwich bag, along with a burnt marijuana cigarette in a cupholder ashtray.
Police described Jackson as breathing “heavily and uncontrollably.” He allegedly stopped responding when officers repeatedly asked whether there were any other illegal items inside the vehicle, prompting them to order him out and search the Altima.
During a search of the front passenger area, an officer found a black Glock handgun, according to police.
Mr. Jackson allegedly told officers that he was a licensed firearm holder. Police said, however, that the documentation found in his wallet was a license issued to a security company where Mr. Jackson said he worked. The serial number listed on that paperwork did not match the serial number of the Glock recovered from the Altima.
When questioned again, Jackson allegedly acknowledged that he did not have a firearm license, and officers arrested him.
Further investigation determined that the Glock had previously been reported stolen from a St. Croix grocery store, police said.
Jackson was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition and initially remanded into custody pending his advice-of-rights hearing.
Following Monday’s hearing, Magistrate Timmons upheld both charges and permitted Jackson’s release upon payment of 5 percent of his $50,000 bail, or $2,500, with the remaining $47,500 secured through an unsecured bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 16.
Advertisements
