The V.I. Police Department on Wednesday morning police arrested Omolara N. Simmonds, charging her with carrying a firearm openly or concealed and possession of ammunition.
According to police Simmonds, a 40-year-old resident of Concordia Manor, was arrested at 6:27 a.m., April 28.
While investigating a robbery that occurred in February, officers of the Criminal Investigation and Special Operations Bureaus conducted a search warrant at a residence in Concordia Manor. During the search, officers discovered a loaded firearm. Simmonds admitted she owned the firearm and indicated that she did not have a license to possess it. She was placed under arrest as a result.
Bail for Simmonds was set at $50,000, which she was not able to post. She was turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections, pending her advice of rights hearing.
St. Croix District Chief of Police Sidney Elskoe applauded the officers for finding the firearm.
“Every gun taken off the street saves lives, Elskoe said. “We will continue to use every avenue available to find and confiscate all illegal firearms.
The chief urged anyone with information about a crime to contact detectives by calling 911, the Crime TipLine at 340-778-4950, or the anonymous Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS).