Mugshot of Antwon Hill. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A man is facing felony firearm charges after police discovered an unlicensed gun during a traffic stop.
According to court documents, last Friday, officers were conducting traffic enforcement near Beacon Point when they noticed a blue Honda Accord without front license plates and proceeded to stop the vehicle around 5:30 p.m.
The driver, identified as Antwon Hill, was asked for his documents. During this interaction, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car. Due to the smell, police instructed Hill and his passenger to exit the vehicle while they conducted a search for illegal substances.
In addition to discovering suspected marijuana in transparent plastic bags and cylinders, officers found a black satchel containing a handgun. Forensic technicians later identified the firearm as a Glock 19 with an obliterated serial number. Alongside the weapon, officers located two 15-round magazines and a 30-round magazine attached to the firearm.
Hill was transported to the Richard Callwood Command police station, where he was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, unlawful possession of ammunition, and failure to display a license plate. His initial bail was set at $50,000, and he was remanded into custody pending his first court appearance.
On Monday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold all charges against Hill. She allowed him the option to post 10% of his bail to secure release before trial. If released, Hill will be required to report in person to the probation office twice weekly.
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 15.
