From left, mugshots of K'Yon Joseph and Randolph Marks III. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Police Department's Operation Python Task Force recently seized two firearms and arrested two individuals.
The most recent arrest occurred at 4:06 p.m. Tuesday in the vicinity of the Frenchman's Bay intersection. According to a V.I.P.D. release, a white Toyota vehicle with dark tints and no front license plate drove past the AS-1 line and was observed traveling in the area.
Following a traffic stop initiated by officers, detectives took note of a strong smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a black M&P Smith & Wesson 40 caliber Shield handgun was found in a backpack located on the backseat.
Police said 22-year-old K'Yon Joseph, the operator of the vehicle, took ownership of the unlicensed firearm.
Joseph was placed under arrest for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Unable to post bail of $50,000, he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advisement hearing.
Arrest and Weapon Confiscation on April 23
According to the V.I.P.D., on Friday, April 23 at approximately 11:06p.m., the Python Task Force team was performing a traffic enforcement initiative in the Veteran's Drive area near the Legislature bus stop.
A white Acura TSX with no front license plate was observed traveling in the area. Officers initiated a traffic stop and a strong smell of marijuana was emanating from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a black handgun was seen the armrest.
Randolph Marks III, age 36, was placed under arrest for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Marks was unable to post the $50,000 bail, and was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advisement hearing.
St. Thomas Police Chief Steven Phillips stated, “We are prepared for carnival. The VIPD will be utilizing all resources possible to ensure our visitors and locals have a safe and enjoyable carnival.”
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