Purple Papaya Robbed Burglar Arrested
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Purple Papaya Robbed
Burglar Arrested
A.J. Pike
St. Croix - On Friday, March 13, 2026 at 8:41 am. The 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of an activated alarm at the popular Purple Papaya store in the Pan Am Pavilion in downtown Christiansted. When responding Patrol Officers arrived they observed that the business was burglarized.
A member of the Burglary Unit was notified and traveled to Purple Papaya where contact was made with the owner who indicated the glass was broken on one of the display windows. The investigator observed video surveillance footage that disclosed that the suspect, identified as Luis Lopez Jr., damaged the glass window, gaining entry into the store and removing several items from the business. He was spotted fleeing the area with the stolen items and was detained in possession of those stolen items.
Mr. Lopez was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station where he was advised of his Miranda Rights. He declined to provide a statement. Luis Lopez Jr. 38, was placed under arrest for Burglary Third Degree, Possession of Stolen Property, Destruction to Property and Petit Larceny. His bail was set at $25,000. He was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing.
This was not Mr. Lopez’ first bout with the law in connection to unlawful activity. On December 22, 2025, at 11:21 am, the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report that Mr. Lopez Jr. was damaging property at businesses in the Sunny Isles Shopping Center. Further investigation and surveillance video footage revealed that Mr. Lopez Jr. threw rocks causing damage to businesses’ glass windows and caused injury to a patron at one of the businesses.
During an investigation into the matter, Mr. Lopez Jr. evaded police capture and an arrest warrant was signed by an Honorable Judge of the Superior Court for his arrest. Bail was set at $2,500.
He was charged with Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, Destruction to Property and Disturbance of Peace Threats. On both accounts he was booked and unable to post bail.
