From left to right, mugshots of Angel Guerreo and Ralphi Payano. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Police Department announced Thursday evening that it arrested two men on charges of illegal firearm possession and reckless endangerment. The incident occurred around 1:46 p.m. in the vicinity of Mushen’s Market in Market Square, following a reported shot fired situation.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers from the Richard Callwood Command Patrol conducted a thorough investigation of the area. They were informed by eyewitnesses that the suspects had fled in a grey Hyundai sedan, heading past Red Ball Grocery towards the Solberg area.
Police units immediately traveled to the Solberg and Scott Free areas, where they located a vehicle matching the description given by witnesses, the VIPD said. The car was found running with the door ajar. A further search of the vehicle and surrounding area led to the apprehension of two individuals fitting the description previously given. A firearm was also recovered from the scene.
The suspects, identified as Angel Guerreo, 22, and Ralphi Payano, 26, were arrested on several charges. These include illegal possession of a Firearm, possession of ammunition, illegal discharge, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, reckless endangerment, contempt of court, aiding and abetting, and carrying of firearms openly or concealed; evidence of intent to commit a crime of violence.
The suspects were unable to post their set bail of $100,000 and were subsequently remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending their Advise of Rights Hearing.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau is currently investigating the case. The police department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective S. Rhymer at (340)774-2211 ext. 5572, or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1(800)222-TIPS (8477).
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