79.6 F
Cruz Bay
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal newsPolice on STJ Arrest One of Two Suspects Following Car Break-In

Police on STJ Arrest One of Two Suspects Following Car Break-In

A 28-year old St. Thomas man was arrested Friday on St. John following a rigorous foot chase by law enforcement officers through a wooded area near Hawksnest Beach in the Virgin Islands National Park.

Joseph Andrews was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm after a high powered rifle was discovered in a vehicle that was possibly connected to a car break-in, according to David Cannonier, assistance police chief for St. John. A second suspect remains at large.

Virgin Islands National Park rangers received a report of a car break-in at Annaberg Friday morning, according to Rick Gupman, chief ranger with the VINP.

Witnesses reported seeing a black SUV leaving the scene, according to a local resident.

VIPD and NPS rangers responded immediately and spotted a black SUV parked at Hawksnest Bay. When the occupants of the SUV were being questioned by officers, “They decided to become non-compliant and ultimately took off running through the woods,” Gupman said.

Officers found Thomas hiding in the bush and arrested him on the charges stemming from the firearm found in the vehicle. It was unclear whether the black SUV was the same one associated with the car break-in, said Gupman. Forensic teams were investigating the car.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.

1 COMMENT