ST. THOMAS — Bail has been set for two men arrested on firearm charges outside a public event.

According to the probable cause fact sheet, around 12:17 a.m. on March 26th, police received a report of a disturbance at an event held at a restaurant in Havensight. The responding officers reportedly observed an officer walking towards a vehicle which he stated was attempting to leave the area at high speed. Another officer approached the vehicle and shone his flashlight, revealing that there were four male occupants. According to the fact sheet, the officer observed that the driver was sweating profusely and avoiding his gaze.

The first officer asked one of the rear passengers, later identified as Lucas Berry “what did you put down on the floor?” Meanwhile, the second officer reportedly observed what appeared to be blood on Berry’s left arm. According to police, this enhanced suspicion that the individuals were involved in the reported disturbance at the public event. All four occupants were ordered out of the vehicle and officers observed blood where Berry was seated as well as an empty firearm holster on the vehicle floor.

Police proceeded to pat the men down and during the process Berry reportedly jumped over a short concrete fence, fleeing the area and leaving his backpack behind. The remaining individuals were handcuffed and Berry was later apprehended in the immediate area, with a firearm on his waist, according to the fact sheet. The weapon was identified as a Glock 36 .9 mm pistol with seven rounds in the magazine. A search of the vehicle also revealed another firearm which none of the individuals initially claimed ownership of. According to the fact sheet, the gun had an obliterated serial number and a magazine with approximately twelve live .40 cartridges, in addition to a live .40 cartridge in the chamber.

All four men were arrested and taken to the station for processing. According to police, while at the station, Le’Quan Castro who was the front passenger of the vehicle accepted responsibility for the firearm, telling police that none of the other individuals had knowledge of its presence. He claimed to have found it in the area of the Western Cemetery and told law enforcement that he had it in his possession for protection. According to the fact sheet, investigations later revealed that the four men were identified as the individuals engaged in the reported physical altercation at the event. They were reportedly attempting to flee the scene before they were intercepted by police.

Both Le’ Quan Castro and Lucas Berry were charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. Castro was additionally charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, while Berry was charged for disobeying a lawful order.

They appeared for advisement hearings on Monday, March 28 moments apart. Judge Paula Norkaitis set bail for Berry at $60,000, stating that he may post 10 percent in cash. Meanwhile, bail for Castro was set at $30,000 with a 10 percent cash provision. Court documents reveal that bail was posted for both defendants on March 28.

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