St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – On Friday, September 18, 2026, at approximately 11:48 p.m., Special Operations officers, assisted by Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority enforcement officers, were conducting traffic enforcement on Wimmelskafts Gade, commonly known as Back Street.
During the operation, officers observed an Acura TSX with the windshield tint extending below the AS-1 line. Officers initiated a traffic stop and directed the driver, later identified as Akimo Smith, to pull over. Smith allegedly failed to comply with the officers’ directions and fled at a high rate of speed.
Special Operations and Waste Management Authority officers immediately began searching for the vehicle. Officers subsequently located the vehicle in the vicinity of the Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel.
While in pursuit of the suspect, officers encountered the suspect who fired a shot at them. Officers engaged the suspect and successfully detained him without further incident.
During a subsequent pat-down, a Glock 21 .45-caliber handgun, equipped with what appeared to be a firearm-conversion device, fell from the suspect’s person.
Akimo Smith was arrested and faces multiple charges. Among the charges are Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Illegal Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition within 1,000 ft. of a School, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Capable of Conversion and a Conversion Kit, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Smith was advised of his Miranda rights and was subsequently booked and processed before being turned over to the Bureau of Corrections.
