Firearm Found in Discarded Bag Leads to Arrest in Cruz Bay

A 22-year-old man was arrested in Cruz Bay, St. John, Tuesday after officers recovered a firearm linked to illegal drug activity during a surveillance operation, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.

The arrest followed an investigation by the VIPD Intelligence Unit that began Friday, April 4, when officers conducted surveillance in Cruz Bay targeting suspected drug distribution. During the operation, they observed a Black male, later identified as Rae-Shawn Amani Emmanuel Frazer, carrying a satchel across his left shoulder, according to the police report.

Officers reviewed surveillance footage the following morning, April 5, and observed Frazer discarding the satchel. A firearm was found inside, the police report stated.

Frazer was located, arrested, and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of illegal ammunition. Bail was set at $57,000, the report stated.