Search Warrant Leads to Discovery of Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition

On Friday at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers from the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau and Special Operations Bureau executed a search warrant at an apartment located in Walter I. M. Hodge Housing. This operation was in connection with an ongoing homicide investigation from earlier this year, the V.I. Police Department reported.

During the execution of the search warrant, officers discovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition within the residence of Obala F. Joseph, 42. Joseph voluntarily acknowledged ownership of the firearm. A subsequent records check confirmed that Joseph does not possess a valid license to carry a firearm or ammunition in the Virgin Islands, according to the police report.

As a result, Joseph was placed under arrest. His bail has been set at $50,000. Joseph could not post bail and has been remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility. His advice of rights hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 at the Superior Court, the police report stated.