ST. CROIX — V.I.P.D. officers here arrested individuals suspected of unauthorized gun possession after being led on an apparent high-speed chase, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte has announced.
According to Mr. Dratte, a concerned citizen, who had observed a vehicle with individuals and weapons traveling in the mid-island area, phoned the 911 call center to make a report, and gave a description of the vehicle.
Immediate action was taken by the V.I.P.D.’s K-9 Unit, who started pursuing the vehicle. In a conversation with The Consortium, Mr. Dratte said the incident must have been a high-speed chase because the vehicle that was being pursued by police crashed into a parked car. Police did not specify where the crash occurred.
According to Mr. Dratte, officers then searched the vehicle and found two firearms and extended magazines. Police arrested 22-year-old Rakeem E. Messer of Christiansted at 11:30 p.m. after being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm during a traffic stop. Also arrested was 24-year-old Jahseen J. Simmonds of Frederiksted, for possession of an unlicensed firearm during a traffic stop. Both Messer and Simmonds were unable to post bail, and were remanded to the Golden Grove Detention Facility pending their advise-of-rights hearing.
St. Croix Police Chief Winsbut McFarland said he’s not “letting up on these ongoing initiatives,” and that he has “every intention” of restoring a safer community.
Police are urging residents to continue sending in tips by calling the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5579 and 5557. Residents can also contact 911, or Crime Stoppers, where tipsters get monetary rewards for successful leads.
Feature Image: From left to right: Rakeem E. Messer and Jahseen Simmonds. (Credit: VIPD)
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