Man Faces Charges of DUI Child Abuse, While Two Others Accused of Possessing Illegal Firearms

Three men on St. Croix were charged by police for various gun and driving offenses on a single day. Derrick R. Harris was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol with his two young children in the car. Harris failed field sobriety tests and refused to take a breathalyzer, leading to charges of driving under the influence, neglectful driving, and child abuse. The police report stated that Harris smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet when exiting the vehicle. The Children’s abuse was defined in the Virgin Islands Code and can result in fines or imprisonment for the offender.

Shortly after Harris’s arrest, officers responded to a fight at Martha’s Bar where Richard Pagan Sr. was allegedly involved in threatening behavior with a firearm. Pagan showed police a handgun in his waistband, admitted to not having a local permit for it, and claimed to have a Florida gun license. Police explained that territorial gun laws did not allow for unregistered transfers of weapons, resulting in Pagan Sr. being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The incident highlighted the importance of understanding and following local gun laws to avoid legal consequences.

In a separate incident on the same day, Joannes Francois was found in a Croixville apartment in possession of a handgun and over 60 rounds of live ammunition. Francois was charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm and unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. Court records indicated that Francois had prior felony convictions for various offenses including rape, assault, burglary, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The arrest warrant issued for Francois underscored the legal implications of unauthorized use and possession of firearms, especially for individuals with a history of criminal convictions.

The series of arrests on St. Croix within a single day highlighted the prevalence of illegal gun possession and driving offenses in the area. The cases involving Derrick R. Harris, Richard Pagan Sr., and Joannes Francois demonstrated the serious consequences of breaking gun laws and endangering public safety through reckless driving under the influence of alcohol. The incidents served as a reminder for residents to adhere to local regulations regarding firearms and driving, as well as the importance of responsible behavior to avoid legal troubles and protect the well-being of others.

In conclusion, the arrests of Derrick R. Harris, Richard Pagan Sr., and Joannes Francois in St. Croix for illegal gun possession, driving under the influence, child abuse, and unauthorized firearm use highlighted the need for strict adherence to laws and regulations. Instances of individuals engaging in threatening behavior with firearms, driving recklessly under the influence, and unauthorized possession of weapons emphasized the importance of public safety and the enforcement of legal consequences for such actions. The incidents served as a cautionary tale for residents to act responsibly, follow laws, and prioritize safety to avoid putting themselves and others at risk of harm or legal trouble.