Mugshot of La-Quan-Eric-Castro. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Police Department said Sunday that as part "Operation Vise-Grip", a multi-agency effort aimed at blunting crime, one man was arrested during the wee hours of Saturday morning and one firearm was confiscated.
Involved in the operation were officers from the Mariel C. Newton Command, Richard Callwood Command, Special Operations Bureau, Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
According to the V.I.P.D., officers received a call at 12:17 a.m. Saturday regarding a disturbance of the peace incident in the vicinity of Chicken & Bowling, located across from the Havensight Mall.
Officers responded and detained several individuals who were attempting to leave the scene. A preliminary investigation was conducted and police discovered a firearm and a holster located inside a vehicle. La Quan Eric Castro told police that he was the owner of the firearm and that he had placed it inside the vehicle. It was not clear at time of publishing who owns the vehicle.
Castro was subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Unable to make bail of $60,000, Castro was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advisement hearing.
St. Thomas Acting Police Chief Steven Phillps stated, “Operation Vise Grip is one of many efforts to reduce violent crime in our community. The V.I.P.D. must be the guardians of the community. I thank the commanders, supervisors and officers for their continued hard work and dedication. Most importantly, the public. Remember, the police is the public and the public is the police.”
The case is presently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the V.I.P.D. said. Any persons having information regarding this incident is encouraged to call CIB at 340-774-2211 ex. 5576/5572. You may also send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers USVI here.
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