St. Thomas, USVI - On Saturday, February 11, 2023, members of the Virgin Islands Police Department Operation Clean Sweep Task Force were conducting surveillance in Vitraco Mall when they received information that there were individuals in possession of illegal narcotics and firearms in the area. During the operation officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a white 2008 Chevy Trailblazer with no license plates exiting the Vitraco Park Mall complex.

Ja’Haile Clendinen

After pursuing the vehicle, officers were able to corner the vehicle near the Market Square. The driver then abruptly turned the vehicle onto the sidewalk and drove towards an officer who approached the vehicle to obtain the driver’s documents. The officer was able to avoid being hit, however the SUV’s right-side fender and front bumper was damaged when it struck a street pole. Another officer was almost injured when the street pole fell over and landed near his position. The driver of the Chevy Trailblazer refused to stop and continued driving while dragging the street pole along the roadway.

Akwany Dore

Several bystanders in the area yelled out that the suspects were in possession of firearms as they tried to leave the area after they abandoned their vehicle.

Kahlid Smith

Task Force officers were able to apprehend 23-year-old Ja’Haile Clendinen, 26-year-old Akwany Dore and 22-year-old Kahlid Smith while also recovering a firearm, large quantities of ammunition and with marijuana. All suspects were all placed under arrest for numerous offenses and their bail was set at $150,000.00 each.

# # #

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.