A man accused of robbing a motorist at gunpoint outside a Head Start center in Hospital Ground remains in custody after a judge set bail following his arrest.
According to court documents, Dante Tonge is accused of confronting a motorist near the Head Start center on Dec. 17 and taking jewelry at gunpoint. Police said a witness reported the incident and provided a description of the suspect.
Officers responding to the area said they soon encountered a man who matched that description nearby. Police reported that the suspect — later identified as Tonge — was wearing a chain similar to the one described by the alleged victim.
When questioned by officers, Tonge told them he had called the motorist over to complain about reckless driving near the center. According to police, he said, “I’m glad I saw you; this man does come in here every day speeding.”
Police said that when officers asked Tonge to sit down, he removed the chain and handed it to them. Officers also recovered a gold pendant and a ring, which were believed to have been taken during the robbery.
Tonge was arrested and charged with robbery, assault, grand larceny, possession of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a felony, possession of stolen property, and disturbance of the peace.
At his initial appearance Monday before Magistrate Judge Julie Todman, bail was set at $75,000, with a 10 percent cash bond required for pretrial release. Tonge’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026.
The defendant in the Dec. 17 incident was known to authorities because of a prior incident in 2019.
Later in the day police posted a public safety alert on their social media page about an increase in robbery reports and the need to take precautions. “The Virgin Islands Police Department is advising the community that the St. Thomas-St. John District has experienced an increase in armed robberies. We are asking all residents and visitors to remain vigilant …” the notice said.
Safety tips include avoiding poorly-lit areas around automatic cash machines, parking lots and other locations; resisting the urge to help persons appearing to be in distress or having vehicle trouble.
Police are also urging the public to trust their instincts and leave areas where they believe suspicious activity is taking place.
