By Melody Wiggins
Caribbean Net News St Croix Correspondent
Email: melody@caribbeannetnews.com

ST THOMAS, USVI: Police in the St Thomas/St John/Water Island district of the US Virgin Islands are aggressively continuing an initiative that is taking guns off the streets. The initiative, which began on May 23, is a joint effort of the VIPD’s Special Operations Bureau, Project Safe Streets, and the High Intensity Drug Traffic Area (HIDTA).

During the initiative's three-week period, police recovered nine guns, a bulletproof vest and small quantities of marijuana as well as taking a wanted St Thomas man into custody, according to a press release recently issued by the VIPD.

Acting District Chief, Milton A. Petersen, Sr, said police are utilizing aggressive patrol, traffic stops, information and assistance from the community in their efforts. He commends citizens who have provided information leading to solving crimes and taking illegal guns off the streets.

“Solving crime is a collaborative effort,” said Petersen. "The citizens and the VIPD can all bring about a change, make a difference and continue to take guns off the streets.”

The initiative continues to net illegal guns and owners. On Wednesday, June 6, officers engaged in the initiative arrested seven men after executing a search warrant on a Kirwan Terrace apartment on St Thomas. Elliot Hodge, Makeem Ubiles, Curtis Baxter, Jamel Niles, Shaun Smith, Leron Xaviere and Kareem Sebastian were arrested at 6:10 a.m. and charged with Constructive Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm and Drug Paraphernalia/Marijuana. Police recovered two firearms at the scene. The men were unable to post bail, and were subsequently remanded to the Bureau of Corrections.

On June 6, police arrested Neville Potter who was wanted on assault charges, after executing a search warrant on another Kirwan Terrace apartment. His female companion, Helen Brewley, was arrested and charged with Accessory after the Fact after attempting to prevent Potter’s apprehension.

The initiative has resulted in other arrests for firearm charges. On May 26, Jasim Lewis was arrested on St. John and charged with Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm and Assault First Degree. Lewis was found in possession of a .22 caliber firearm.

On June 2, Shakeem Clarke was arrested on St Thomas and charged with Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition. The suspect was found in possession of a .38 revolver.

On June 3, Akeem Corrapse was arrested on St Thomas and charged with Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition and Reckless Endangerment. The suspect was in possession of a loaded rifle.

Other guns taken off the street include two 9 mm handguns, a .45 caliber pistol and a .40 caliber gun.