ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — March 2026
A 30-year-old St. Thomas man was arrested Thursday after police discovered a firearm, ammunition and suspected narcotics during a traffic stop while officers were responding to a reported robbery in Charlotte Amalie.
According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, Ricaldo Thomas was taken into custody by members of the department’s Special Operations Bureau around 10:20 a.m. near Main Street, Charlotte Amalie.
Traffic stop during robbery investigation
Police said officers were searching the area after receiving a report of a “robbery in progress.” During the search, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Irvin “Brownie” Brown Street, nearly colliding with one of the Special Operations Bureau vehicles.
Officers conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Thomas.
While speaking with him, officers said they detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked Thomas to exit the car while they conducted a search.
Gun and narcotics discovered
During the search, police said officers recovered a firearm, ammunition and narcotics contraband from the vehicle.
Thomas was subsequently arrested and charged with:
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Unlawful possession of ammunition
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
Authorities set bail at $67,500. Unable to post the bond, Thomas was remanded to the custody of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections.
The investigation into the reported robbery and related circumstances remains ongoing, police said.
