Ghost Weapon Discovery, St. St. Croix Man Led to Arrest During Routine Traffic Stop

ST. CROIX — A man faces felony firearm charges after police say he was found in possession of an unregistered firearm with no identifying markings on it.

According to court documents, VIPD officers were on mobile patrol on the afternoon of Nov. 13 when they noticed a silver BMW SUV traveling east on the Queen Mary Highway near Karim Service Station in Frederiksted. Police said the vehicle was illegally tinted and did not have a license plate on its front bumper. They decided to make a U-turn and stop traffic.

The BMW pulled over and police reportedly observed a “plume of smoke” escaping as the driver, later identified as Floyd Stevens, rolled down all four windows. Officers describe multiple burnt marijuana cigarettes being found inside, as well as a clear plastic bag containing what is suspected to be marijuana.

Stevens reportedly held a black crossbody bag in his right hand as he exited the SUV at the officer’s request. Police said the officer did not respond to a question about whether there were items in the vehicle or bag that would concern police safety.

During a search of the bag, a black handgun that forensic technicians described as a .40-caliber “ghost gun” was seized; This weapon had no identifying markings on it. The gun was loaded with 12 bullets in a 15-round magazine and one bullet in the chamber.

Stevens reportedly told police he was not licensed to possess or carry a firearm or ammunition in the Virgin Islands. Firearms control determined that he was not licensed to carry anywhere in the United States.

Stevens was later arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. Unable to post the initial $50,000 bail set by the schedule, he was taken into custody pending a merit hearing recommendation.

In court Thursday, Judge Venetia Velazquez found probable cause to accept all charges against Stevens. He allowed her to pay $1,000 of the required bail in cash, with the remainder signed as an unsecured bond to secure her release prior to trial.

Stevens’ next hearing is scheduled for December 4.