Press Release

Saturated Patrol Officers Arrest Three, Seize Two Weapons and Drugs

Special Operations officers on St. Croix made several arrests, confiscated illegal drugs and two illegal weapons. Special Operations officers on saturated patrol regularly patrol the island on high alert for violations.

On December 1 in Estate Mon Bijou near Hyme’s Grocery store, officers observed several men loitering. As the patrol car approached one man got up and walked to a car parked nearby. Police observed him reaching into his pockets and approached him. Police confiscated 23 grams of marijuana from the suspect who was later identified as 31-year-old Tyson Chioke. The suspect was arrested on December 1 at about 12:30 p.m. he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. His bail was set at $25,000 bail and he remanded to custody.

Later that same night, about 9 p.m. officers were patrolling the Mon Bijou community when they observed a man leaning on a white Honda Accord near the community center. On the trunk of the car officers saw several small plastic containers filled with what appeared to be marijuana. The officers approached the male who was later identified as 30-year-old Jamal Smith. Officers searched the vehicle and found additional marijuana in Smith’s pants pocket, in the center console and in the trunk. Officers also confiscated a 9mm Taurus handgun that was in the front passenger’s seat pouch. The marijuana totaled 181 grams. Smith was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Ammunition and Alteration of a Firearms’ Identifying Marks. Smith was placed on a $25,000 bail and remanded to custody.

Special Operations officers also arrested 29-year-old Jason Felix on November 30 near the Front Line Night club in Estate Coble. While patrolling the area police smelled marijuana and went to investigate. A man, later identified as Felix seemed to be acting in a suspicious manner, police said. A search of Felix revealed that he had a loaded 45 mm handgun stuck in the waist of his pants. Felix was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and placed on a $25,000 bail.

St. Croix Acting Chief of Police James Parris congratulated the officers for taking two more dangerous weapons off the streets. “The confiscation of this weapon potentially represents a life saved. This weapon could have been used to rob; assault or even kill someone. Now it is off the streets and can’t harm anyone.”