St. Croix, USVI - On Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 7:01 p.m. the Special Operations Bureau responded to a 911 transmission of gunshots discharged in the Sion Farm area. While traveling to Estate Sion Farm, the responding officers utilized the Shot Spotter application system to pinpoint the exact location of the reported gunshots that were fired and conducted a physical inspection in the area.

Officers made contact with several residents who stated that they heard two gunshots fired and indicated the location on the property. As officers continued their search of the southern side of the house, they recovered two spent bullet casings. Announcing their presence to any occupants of the house, the officers got no response. However, using their flashlights to look through the clear glass window of a bedroom, the officers observed what appeared to be the black handle of a firearm on a shelf in the closet in plain view. Contact was made with the landlord and tenant of the apartment and the tenant was advised of the officers observation and gave written consent to search the apartment.

Later that evening, Mr. John Carlos Ventura, age 27, was present at the Wilbur Francis Command to make a report of an incident that took place at his residence in Sion Farm. He stated that he discharged a couple of shots at two male individuals that were inside his yard.

John Carlos Ventura

Ventura was subsequently placed under arrest for Carrying of a Firearm, Openly or Concealed and Reckless Endangerment First Degree. His bail was set at $50,000.00 and he was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending Advise of Rights Hearing.

According to Chief Sean Santos, “this is just the beginning of the VIPD utilizing technology to aid in law enforcement. Those who are caught conducting these acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

The VIPD discourages anyone from taking part in celebratory gunfire (discharging of shots) in the territory. If you know of anyone discharging shots in your area, please call 911, the VIPD Tip line at (340) 778-4950 or the Chief’s office at (340) 778-2211.

# # #

All individuals listed as arrested or charged with a crime in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.