St. Thomas Man Arrested After Running Red Light Leads Police to Modified Firearm and Unregistered Vehicle

ST. THOMAS — A man was arrested after police conducting a traffic stop discovered that not only was his vehicle unregistered and uninsured; his backpack also contained an illegally modified firearm.

According to court documents, Tyre Porter was arrested on Sunday morning after police saw two vehicles run the red light at the intersection of Veteran's Drive and Gasvaerks Gade. One of the vehicles – a green Ford Escape being driven by Porter – pulled over after officers initiated a traffic stop.

Porter reportedly became agitated after being asked to exit the vehicle, allegedly telling officers that he was “just trying to get home.” He reportedly avoided answering questions about whether there were weapons in the vehicle. However, when the SUV was searched, police found a gun holster in the center console.

The search also yielded a black bag on the front passenger seat, with a loaded Glock 23 handgun inside. The firearm's serial number was obliterated, police say. The bag also reportedly contained a ski mask, rolling papers, and a small plastic bag containing a brown leafy substance.

Upon finding the weapon, officers immediately placed Porter in handcuffs. Further investigations quickly revealed that the Ford Escape was neither registered nor insured. A firearms check revealed that Porter does not have a license to possess or carry a firearm in the territory.

Porter was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and possession of an unlicensed firearm within 1000 feet of a school, park, or playground. He was also charged with operating an unregistered vehicle, operating an uninsured vehicle, and running the red light. He was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.

In court on Monday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis found probable cause to uphold all charges against Porter. Bail was set at $50,000, but he was allowed to post 10% in cash to secure his release ahead of trial. Porter will be required to report to the probation office every week by telephone, and is restricted to the St. Thomas/St. John district while his trial is pending.

His next court appearance is scheduled for December 20.