St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department responded to two separate incidents reported by Home Depot personnel regarding thefts of air conditioning units on Monday, July 13, 2026.
The first incident was reported at 5:07 p.m., where two individuals were allegedly seen stealing four Quul Brand Smart Inverter Air Conditioning Units.
While Officers responded to the case, they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Elroy Tonge, which matched the description provided to them.
Officers were informed that two males exit the store with a cart full of air conditioning units. Surveillance footage confirmed that Tonge was observed exiting the store with the stolen items.
The total value of the stolen merchandise was estimated at $2,300.00. Following the findings, Tonge was arrested and taken into custody. He was advised of his rights.
Tonge was charged with Grand Larceny and Possession of Stolen Property.
Later that evening, at approximately 6:25 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received another report of two males who allegedly stole multiple air conditioning units from Home Depot. The suspects were described as Black males with dreadlocks.
Responding Officers observed two males, one of whom matched the description provided, loading split air conditioning units into a black Acura RDX near the AutoZone parking lot. As officers approached, the suspects fled the scene heading toward the Sunny Acres area.
Officers subsequently apprehended one of the suspects, identified as 33-year-old Joannes Francois. Francois was confirmed as the same male observed loading and stealing the air conditioning units before fleeing the scene in an attempt to evade capture.
Francois was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny.
Bail for both Tonge and Francois’ was set at $20,000.00. They were remanded at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending their Advice of Rights hearings.
