THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT 
                                     “To Protect and Serve” 
       Office of the Commissioner 
 
 
AAF Justice Complex, 5400 Veterans Drive St. Thomas, 00802 * (340) 774-2211 
Administrative Services Building 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted St. Croix, 00840 * (340) 778-2211 
 
www.vipd.vi.gov 
 
VIPD RELEASE- 112622-325 
For Immediate Media Distribution 
 
November 26, 2022  
 
Shot Spotter Aid Officers in Arrest of Sion Farm Man 
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 ShotSpotter 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 in 
which he stated that he discharged to shots at two male individuals that was inside his yard. 
He 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 Tipline at (340) 778-4950 or the Chief’s office at (340) 778-2211. 
 
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