Above, mugshot of Ajani Poree. The VIPD has not provided the mugshot of Raheem Burke. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — Two men were arrested over the weekend after police said they recovered two loaded firearms from a Toyota 4Runner during an early-morning traffic stop on Queen Mary Highway.
Police stopped the SUV in the early hours of Saturday after it crossed the solid double yellow lines while overtaking another vehicle in what officers described as a “negligent” manner.
Three men were inside the vehicle. Ajani Poree was driving, while Raheem Burke occupied the front passenger seat.
As Poree retrieved documents requested by officers, police reportedly saw a firearm on the floor of the front passenger side. The weapon had no discernible manufacturer markings or serial number and contained a 31-round magazine loaded with 25 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, along with one round in the chamber.
Burke was ordered out of the vehicle, handcuffed and frisked. Officers took the same steps with Poree and the third occupant.
When Poree exited the SUV, police reportedly observed a second firearm in the driver-side footwell. Forensic technicians identified the weapon as a Beretta PX$ Storm semi-automatic pistol loaded with 11 live rounds in a 15-round magazine, with an additional round in the chamber.
All three men reportedly told police that they did not have licenses to possess firearms in the Virgin Islands.
They were taken to the Wilbur H. Francis Command police station for questioning. During the interview, Burke reportedly admitted that the firearm recovered from the passenger side belonged to him.
Burke was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm and unauthorized possession of ammunition. Poree was charged with the same offenses, while the third occupant was released.
Both defendants were initially held on $50,000 bail and remanded into custody pending their advice of rights hearings.
During court proceedings Monday, Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross found probable cause to uphold the charges against Poree and Burke.
Poree’s bail was modified to require a $2,500 cash payment for his release before trial, with the remaining amount signed as an unsecured bond. Burke was required to post $1,000 in cash to secure his release.
Burke must comply with a daily curfew. Poree was ordered to remain under 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring.
Both men must also comply with other standard bail conditions imposed by the court.
Their next court appearances are scheduled for August 12.
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