Humberto Ortiz was arrested around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday after he allegedly fled from officers and attempted to dispose of a firearm he was carrying, according to a Police Department press release issued Thursday. Ortiz was charged with simple possession of a controlled substance, unauthorized possession of an unlicensed firearm, unauthorized possession of ammunition and failure to report a firearm brought into the Virgin Islands.
His age was not in the press release and Police Department spokesman Melody Rames could not be reached for further information.
According to the press release, Special Response Team officers were on vehicle patrol in Christiansted when they observed several people loitering in the Sunday Market Square area. Officers said they smelled the odor of marijuana and approached the group.
Once Ortiz saw the officer, he allegedly began to run. Officers said Ortiz was pursued into a nearby business and ran into a bathroom where officers apprehended him. Officers allegedly found a magazine with 17 live rounds in Ortiz’ pants pocket along with two small bags of marijuana.
Officers requested permission from the business owner to enter into the locked area of the yard that they could see from the bathroom window. There officers found a Glock 9 mm handgun loaded with 17 live rounds.
Police confiscated the firearm and turned it over to forensic technicians. In addition to other forensic testing, the firearm will be tested by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to determine the origin of the weapon.
Ortiz was unable to pay the $25,000 bail. Following his advice of rights hearing, Ortiz was sent to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility.
