St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) has arrested a 28-year-old male on multiple firearms-related charges following a law enforcement operation connected to an ongoing homicide investigation in the Williams Delight Housing Community.
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, while investigating a homicide that occurred in the Williams Delight Housing Community, detectives received information that the suspects had fled the area in a black four-door Hyundai with no license plates. Officers subsequently located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
During the stop, Velazquez exited the vehicle and fled on foot while carrying a firearm. Officers pursued and successfully detained him, and the firearm was recovered.
The Virgin Islands Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Operations personnel, executed a search at a residence where Velazquez was last seen. During the search, law enforcement officers recovered an additional firearm and other related paraphernalia.
Velazquez was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was advised of his Miranda Rights. He admitted ownership of both firearms. Velazquez was arrested and charged with Carrying of Firearms Openly or Concealed During the Commission of a Crime of Violence (2 Counts) and Possession or Sale of Ammunition (2 Counts).
Bail was set at $50,000, which Velazquez was unable to post. He was subsequently remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing.
The homicide investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact 911, the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-778-2211 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
