The VIPD has not yet released a mugshot of the suspect. This story will be updated if one is provided.
ST. THOMAS — A man who had been banned from Beehive Strip Club for firearm possession was arrested after police say he returned to the establishment about two weeks later and was found with a loaded handgun.
According to police, Elvis Fredericks had been banned from the club approximately two weeks ago. Around 3 a.m. last Friday, police received a call from the establishment reporting that Mr. Fredericks had returned and was refusing to leave.
Responding officers spoke with a security guard, who said Mr. Fredericks pressed up against him after being told to leave and threatened to “shell him down.’ The guard told police he felt a firearm near Mr. Fredericks’s waist.
Officers then spoke with Mr. Fredericks, who initially denied having a gun. Police say that while he was being escorted away from the crowd in handcuffs, he began twisting and turning, causing his shirt to rise.
Officers reportedly saw what appeared to be the black handle of a firearm protruding from his waistband. The object was later confirmed to be a firearm, which forensic technicians identified as a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun.
Police said the weapon had one round chambered and a magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition. A search of Mr. Fredericks also led officers to recover another magazine from his pocket. The second magazine contained 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Mr. Fredericks was found not to have a license to possess a firearm in the territory. He was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition without a license.
Unable to pay the initial bail requirement of $50,000, Mr. Fredericks was remanded into custody pending his advice of rights hearing.
In court on Monday, Magistrate Julie Smith Todman found probable cause to uphold both charges against Mr. Fredericks and maintained bail at $50,000, payable in cash.
If released, Mr. Fredericks must report to the probation office in person twice each week and comply with a daily 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. He has also been banned from Beehive and prohibited from participating in Carnival activities on St. John, as well as Carnival activities on St. Thomas next year if the case remains pending.
Mr. Fredericks’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 2. However, he may be required to appear before then because a motion to modify bail to allow a 10% cash payment is currently before the court.
