St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – On Friday, March 28, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m., members of the Virgin Islands Police Department Special Operations Bureau were conducting traffic enforcement on Elmo D. Roebuck Drive when they observed a green Nissan Altima being operated by Mr. Stephan Joseph with no license plate affixed to the front bumper of the vehicle. Officers initiated a traffic stop and while approaching the vehicle to advise Mr. Joseph of the traffic infraction, he immediately made a U-turn in the middle of the road and fled at a high rate of speed. Officers conducted an inspection of the area and shortly thereafter located the abandoned vehicle. Joseph was observed by an officer exiting the vehicle and fleeing into bushes in an unknown direction.
The Nissan Altima was towed and transported to the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex where officers conducted an Inventory Search to secure any items of value belonging to the registered owner. Stephan Joseph’s identification was located inside the vehicle. Officers recognized 21-year-old Joseph from a previous matter and had knowledge of his residence. Officers traveled to Joseph’s residence where he was located and placed under arrest for Disobeying a Lawful Order and Delaying and Obstructing. His bail was set at $1,000.00
