Mugshots of Mallek Ilarraza, left, and Omarion Francis, both of Estate La Grange, St. Croix. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Two men arrested on Saturday in St. Thomas, both of whom are from St. Croix, were initially thought to be victims of an attempted robbery that occurred at the Emerald Beach Resort Friday morning. Turns out the two St. Croix men had stolen a firearm and were pursued by two armed men who attempted to enter the hotel room the St. Croix men were in.
According to V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima, on Saturday at around 5:32 p.m., police arrested Mallek Ilarraza, age 23 and Omarion Francis, age 18, both of Estate La Grange, St. Croix, and charged them with possession of a stolen firearm, reckless endangerment, constructive possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, and possession of ammunition.
Ilarraza and Francis were alleged victims of an attempted robbery that occurred at the Emerald Beach Resort Friday morning, according to the news release. However, according to Mr. Derima, during the course of the investigation into the incident officers recovered a firearm. It was discovered that the recovered firearm was stolen and was possessed by Ilarraza and Francis, which resulted in their arrests.
Detectives continue to urge anyone with information about this incident to contact them by calling 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 extension 5557, or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-8477.
"Remember, if you see something, say something," said police.
