St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – On March 11, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Special Operation Bureau (STX and STT), and Federal Agents executed several search and arrests warrants under operation “Open Faces”. As a result, Luis Noel, Donnie Heywood and Shango Allick Sr. were arrested and transported to the Rainbow Building where they were processed and booked. Unable to post bail Luis Noel and Donnie Heywood were remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending their Advice of Rights Hearing set for March 12, 2025, at the Superior Court. Mr. Shango Allick Sr. was released on his own recognizance pending court appearance on March 12, 2025, at the Superior Court.
“During this operation, we saw firsthand the power of agencies working together to combat crime and make our community safer. Commissioner Brooks and I are proud of the relentless efforts from our team, the DOJ, and VIPD in successfully coordinating the search and arrest warrants. Together, we are making significant strides toward reducing crime and building a safer, stronger community for everyone.” said Gordon C. Rhea, V.I. Attorney General.
Luis Noel, 19-years-old, was charged with reckless endangerment first, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, possession of ammunition and discharging or aiming a firearm. His arrest stems from an incident at Sunny Isles parking lot near the Food Court on January 7, 2025. His bail was set $100,000.00.
Noel was also involved in an incident that occurred at Queen Street in Frederiksted on January 26, 2025. For that incident he was charged with attempted murder first principal, assault first principal, assault third, reckless first, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence principal, possession of ammunition principal, discharging or aiming a firearm principal and unauthorized possession of firearm within 1000 feet of a school. Bail was set at $100,000.00.
Donnie Heywood, age 18, was also arrested for his involvement in the incident that occurred at Sunny Isles parking lot near the Food Court on January 7,2025. He was charged with reckless endangerment first, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, possession of ammunition and discharging or aiming a firearm. His bail was set $100,000.00.
During a search warrant on March 11, 2025, at the residence of 43-year-old Mr. Shango Allick Sr., marijuana was found at his residence resulting in his arrest. He was charged with possession of control substance with intent to distribute. Mario Brooks, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department stated, “Today’s operation marks a significant step in our relentless pursuit of justice. These acts of reckless disregard will not be tolerated, and we will bring those responsible to justice. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and collaboration between the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice. Together, we will continue to send a clear message—if you engage in violent crime in our territory, we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will be held accountable.”
