Mugshot of Jahmal Brathwaite. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — A 44-year-old St. Thomas resident was arrested Friday night after police said he admitted to carrying an unlicensed firearm when stopped for multiple traffic violations, the V.I. Police Department has confirmed to the Consortium.
According to the department, officers from the Special Operations Bureau arrested Jahmal Brathwaite at about 9:50 p.m. on September 12 at Mandela Circle. Brathwaite was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. His bail was set at $75,000.
Police said the encounter began while officers were traveling eastbound on Weymouth Rhymer Highway preparing to turn into Whispering Hills Drive. They observed Brathwaite heading westbound on a scooter at a high rate of speed and disregarding a red traffic signal at the Cost-U-Less intersection.
Officers turned their vehicle around to initiate a stop and intercepted Brathwaite at Mandela Circle. When informed of the observed traffic violations, police explained that had they continued forward, Brathwaite likely would have collided with their vehicle.
As part of the stop, officers asked Brathwaite if he had any weapons or objects that could cause harm. Police said he admitted to carrying a firearm and confirmed he did not have a license. A 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene.
Brathwaite was advised of his constitutional rights and placed under arrest on the firearm and ammunition charges.
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