St. Croix, Virgin Islands – On March 13, 2026, at approximately 8:41 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of an activated alarm at the Purple Papaya. When Responding Patrol Officers arrived, they observed that the business was burglarized. A member of the Burglary Unit was notified and traveled to Purple Papaya where contact was made with the owner who indicated that they did not give anyone permission to enter the business or remove items from same. The investigator in this matter observed video surveillance footage that disclosed the suspect, identified as Luis Lopez Jr. The footage showed Lopez damaging the glass window, gaining entry and removing items from the business. He was seen fleeing the area with the stolen items and was detained in possession of the stolen items.
Lopez was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station where he was advised of his Miranda Rights. He declined to provide a statement. Luis Lopez Jr., 38, was placed under arrest for Burglary Third Degree, Possession of stolen property, Destruction to Property and Petit Larceny. His bail was set at $25,000.00. Lopez was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing.
Additionally, on December 22, 2025, at approximately 11:21 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report that Luis Lopez Jr. was damaging property at businesses in the Sunny Isles Shopping Center. Further investigation and surveillance footage revealed that Lopez Jr. threw rocks causing damage to businesses’ glass windows and caused injury to a patron at one business.
During the investigation into this matter, Lopez evaded police capture and an arrest warrant was signed by an Honorable Judge of the Superior Court for his arrest. Bail was set at $2,500.
On March 17, 2026, Luis Lopez Jr. was placed under arrest without incident for Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, Destruction to Property and Disturbance of Peace Threats. He was booked and unable to post bail. He was transported to the John Bell Correctional facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing.
