Police on St. Thomas averted a possible dangerous situation Thursday when they confiscated a fully loaded handgun from a man who was dancing in a crowd behind a band at J’ouvert.

According to police, Jahi E. Grant, 33, was arrested at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday after police officers received a tip that he was carrying a firearm. Police said they confiscated a fully loaded Remington handgun with an extended clip from the suspect, along with a small amount of marijuana.

Officers assigned to safeguard the J’ouvert were approached by concerned citizens who said they were dancing in the crowd when they noticed a person carrying a concealed weapon. Police identified the person by the description given and approached the suspect.

They asked if he was carrying a weapon, and he denied that he was. Officers attempted to pat him down for their safety and the safety of the general public, at which time he tried to remove an item from his pants. Officers said they confiscated the weapon and arrested the suspect, who was identified as Grant.

Grant was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and simple possession of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $25,000 and he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending further court action.

Police said an NCIC check of the weapon revealed that it was reported stolen in the state of Florida.

Officers said they were very grateful to the people taking part in J’ouvert who were observant and had the courage and resolve to identify a person they felt could have been a threat to the general public.