From left to right, mugshots of Ramon Mateo III and Califf J. Cassius. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
The V.I. Police Department has arrested two men following a shooting incident in Christiansted on Sunday. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:03 p.m., involved multiple shots being fired in the Gallows Bay area, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement.
According to reports, a VIPD detective heard the shots and observed a blue 4-door Toyota Corolla exiting Green Street with two males inside, both wearing face coverings. Detectives pursued the vehicle and successfully conducted a traffic stop on Northside Road.
Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver, identified as 27-year-old Ramon Mateo III, exited and loudly stated, “I don’t consent to have my vehicle searched.” Despite this, detectives obtained a telephonic search warrant, allowing them to legally search the vehicle. Inside, they found two firearms: a Glock-type ghost pistol firearm 9mm with a tan extended 31-capacity magazine containing twenty-three 9mm rounds, and an AR-type ghost gun with a black extended magazine loaded with seven live .223 rounds. Both firearms were found with a round in the chamber.
Additionally, the scene on Green Street was processed, revealing multiple spent casings from .223 and 9mm rounds.
Both Mateo and the passenger, identified as 20-year-old Califf J. Cassius, were detained and taken to the station. After being advised of their rights, both men declined to provide a statement. They were subsequently charged with reckless endangerment, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and carrying or using an unlicensed firearm during a crime of violence.
Unable to post their $100,000 bail, both men were booked and transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility, where they await their Advice of Rights Hearing.
