Loaded Firearm Found at Middle School Event Leads to Arrest in St. Thomas

ST. THOMAS — A man was arrested for possessing an unlicensed firearm after drawing the suspicion of officers during a middle school basketball tournament.

According to court documents, on the evening of December 1, officers from the School Security Bureau were on duty at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School for a basketball tournament. One officer noticed a group of young men entering the gymnasium, prompting further observation that led to the arrest.

The men, walking quickly, went towards the male restrooms, where they began pacing back and forth, reportedly looking nervous. The officer alerted his colleagues to this suspicious behavior and approached the group.

As the officer approached, he reportedly saw one of the men, identified as Tony Isaac, conceal something under his shirt. When questioned, Isaac initially denied having anything hidden. The officer then conducted a pat-down and felt a hard object on Isaac's left side, beneath his forearm. When asked if the object was a firearm, Isaac reportedly nodded in confirmation.

Isaac was immediately handcuffed, and another officer retrieved a black handgun from him. The firearm was identified as a Taurus RT-145 Pro Millennium .45 caliber pistol, fully loaded with a 10-round magazine and one round in the chamber.

Investigations revealed that Isaac does not have a license to carry a firearm in the territory. He was then arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Unable to pay the initial bail of $60,000, Isaac was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.

In court on Monday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis found probable cause to uphold the charges against Isaac, and modified bail to $50,000, of which he must pay 10% in cash to secure his release ahead of trial.

Once released from custody, Isaac will be required to report to the probation office in person every week. He is banned from using alcohol or other controlled substances while the trial is pending, possessing firearms or ammunition, and is also banned from the premises of the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School.

The next court appearance for Isaac is scheduled for December 20.