Police on STJ Arrest One of Two Suspects Following Car Break-In

A 28-year old St. Thomas man was arrested Friday on St. John following a rigorous foot chase by law enforcement officers through a wooded area near Hawksnest Beach in the Virgin Islands National Park.

Joseph Andrews was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm after a high powered rifle was discovered in a vehicle that was possibly connected to a car break-in, according to David Cannonier, assistant police chief for St. John. A second suspect remains at large.

Virgin Islands National Park rangers received a report of a car break-in at Annaberg Friday morning, according to Rick Gupman, chief ranger with the VINP.

Witnesses reported seeing a black SUV leaving the scene, according to a local resident.

VIPD and NPS rangers responded immediately and spotted a black SUV parked at Hawksnest Bay. When the occupants of the SUV were being questioned by officers, “They decided to become non-compliant and ultimately took off running through the woods,” Gupman said.

Officers found Thomas hiding in the bush and arrested him on the charges stemming from the firearm found in the vehicle. It was unclear whether the black SUV was the same one associated with the car break-in, said Gupman. Forensic teams were investigating the car.