St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) is investigating
a firearms-related incident that occurred during the early morning hours of Thursday,
December 25, 2025.
At approximately 4:54 a.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired outside the Encore
Lounge, located in the Subbase area of St. Thomas. Upon arrival in the area, officers located
a vehicle matching the description provided by 911 Dispatch and conducted a traffic stop.
During the course of detaining the four male occupants of the vehicle, one individual fled on
foot and was observed discarding a firearm. The suspect was subsequently apprehended by
police without further incident.
As a result of the investigation, officers recovered multiple firearms, ammunition, and spent
shell casings. The occupants were identified as Kai Hendricks, Timori Bell, Shaqcoy
Cheltenham, and Deshan Monsanto. All four individuals were placed under arrest and
charged with firearms-related offenses, including constructive possession of a firearm, illegal
possession of firearms and ammunition, reckless endangerment, and illegal discharge of a
firearm.
Unable to post bail, Timori Bell, Shaqcoy Cheltenham, and Deshan Monsanto were booked,
processed, and remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending their Advice
of Rights hearing. After receiving medical treatment, Kai Hendricks was also booked,
processed, and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections. In addition to the aforementioned
charges, Hendricks was also charged with evading arrest.
This case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident
is urged to contact 911 or the Office of the Police Chief.
The Virgin Islands Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security
of the community.
