From left to right, mugshots of Donnie Heywood, Shango Allick Sr. and Luis Noel. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — A multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted on March 11, 2025, resulted in the arrests of Luis Noel, Donnie Heywood, and Shango Allick Sr. as part of "Operation Open Faces." The V.I. Police Department, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Special Operation Bureau (STX and STT), and federal agents, executed several search and arrest warrants across St. Croix.
Following their arrests, Noel and Heywood were transported to the VIPD's Rainbow Building for processing and booking. Both were unable to post bail and were subsequently remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility, pending their advice of rights hearing on March 12 in Superior Court. Allick Sr. was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on the same date.
Authorities charged 19-year-old Luis Noel in connection with two separate incidents. The first set of charges stem from a shooting on January 7 at the Sunny Isles parking lot near the Food Court. He was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, possession of ammunition, and discharging or aiming a firearm. His bail for this incident was set at $100,000.
Noel also faces charges for a separate shooting incident that took place on January 26 on Queen Street in Frederiksted. In this case, he was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, possession of ammunition, discharging or aiming a firearm, and unauthorized possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. Bail for this incident was also set at $100,000.
Eighteen-year-old Donnie Heywood was arrested in connection with the January 7, 2025, shooting at Sunny Isles parking lot near the Food Court. He was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, possession of ammunition, and discharging or aiming a firearm. His bail was also set at $100,000.
Meanwhile, during the execution of a search warrant on March 11 at the residence of 43-year-old Shango Allick Sr., marijuana was discovered, leading to his arrest. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
V.I. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea commended the teamwork between law enforcement agencies, stating that the operation highlighted the power of agencies working together to combat crime and make the community safer. He expressed pride in the efforts of the V.I. Police Department, the Department of Justice, and other law enforcement agencies involved in successfully executing the search and arrest warrants. He emphasized that these joint efforts were making significant strides toward reducing crime and building a safer, stronger community.
VIPD Commissioner Mario Brooks reinforced the department’s commitment to crime reduction, stating that the operation marked a significant step in the relentless pursuit of justice. He declared that acts of reckless disregard for public safety would not be tolerated and that those responsible would be brought to justice. He credited the successful operation to the unwavering commitment and collaboration between the VIPD and the VIDOJ. Brooks further stressed that law enforcement will continue sending a clear message—those who engage in violent crime in the territory will be found, arrested, and held accountable.
