Man Surrenders After Firing 10 Rounds Downtown; ShotSpotter Led Investigation

A St. Thomas resident has been arrested and charged with five felony weapons offences stemming from a shooting incident in downtown Charlotte Amalie on July 14.

Akimo Martin surrendered to police on September 28, accompanied by his attorney Tonya Saafir-Ankomah, and was brought before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Simone M. VanHolten-Turnbull the next morning. He faces counts of illegal discharge of a firearm, carrying a firearm with intent to commit a crime of violence, carrying or using a dangerous weapon during a crime of violence, first-degree reckless endangerment, and disturbance of the peace.

The incident unfolded at 8:52 p.m. near Moe's Fresh Market at 5046 Norre Gade, in the waterfront area along Veterans Drive Annex. The police department's ShotSpotter system detected 10 gunshots and alerted officers, who later recovered 10 spent .40-caliber shell casings from the location.

Security recordings from the market showed a blue 2010 Ford F-150 arriving at 8:51 p.m. with Martin as a passenger. He wore a black stocking cap, dark polo shirt, and khaki trousers. Video captured him walking into an adjacent alley, removing his shirt to reveal a handgun at his waistband, and firing rounds skyward as he moved through the space.

After police cordoned off the area, the same cameras recorded Martin exiting Strand Gade in a white T-shirt, still wearing the black cap and khakis, walking past a marked police vehicle as he returned to the truck.

Vehicle records confirmed Martin owned the pickup. A check of firearms records showed he held a valid permit to carry a .40-caliber Glock 23 handgun for business purposes.

Detectives contacted Martin by phone on September 24 to notify him of an arrest warrant. He surrendered four days later at police headquarters.

Magistrate Judge VanHolten-Turnbull determined probable cause existed on all charges and set bail at $30,000, with the option of a 10 percent cash deposit. Reginald E. Martin posted a $3,005 bond, allowing his release. Martin must surrender his handgun and license by 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, maintain full-time work, report to probation twice weekly, and remain at least 50 feet from Moe's Fresh Market. His formal arraignment is scheduled for October 16.