ST. THOMAS — A traffic stop in the Lindquist Beach area of ​​St. Thomas led to the arrest of a man found carrying a handgun without a license, according to the VI Police Department.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. Wednesday morning while Bureau of Special Operations officers were conducting routine traffic stops along Emile Milo Francis Parkway. According to court documents, police noticed a white Acura TSX without a front license plate and with an illegally tinted windshield, prompting a traffic stop. As officers approached the vehicle, they detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the interior when the windows were rolled down.

The driver and passenger were asked to exit the vehicle while officers conducted a search. In the passenger seat, officers found a brown bag that passenger Chayanne Baron identified as hers. Inside the bag, officers discovered a black Glock 43 handgun. When questioned, Baron admitted that he did not have a license for this firearm, leading to his immediate arrest. He was later charged with possession of a firearm without a license and unauthorized possession of ammunition.

With initial bail set at $50,000, Baron was unable to secure his release and was taken into custody. In court Thursday, Magistrate Simone VanHolten-Turnbull found probable cause to uphold both charges against Baron and allowed him to satisfy his bond with an unsecured bond for the full amount. However, he must report in person to the probation office twice a week and must not obtain a driver’s license while awaiting trial.

Baron’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 15.