Florida Woman Returns Home After Ammo Arrest in Turks and Caicos

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, Sharitta Grier, a 45-year-old mother and grandmother from Florida, returned home for the first time since April, after being arrested in Turks and Caicos for having stray bullets in the lining of her luggage. She received a 23-week suspended sentence and must pay a $1,500 fine for the offense.

Multiple Arrests of Americans in Turks and Caicos

Grier was one of five Americans arrested since February on the islands while coming home from their vacations for the same crime. The other individuals detained include Bryan Hagerich, 39, of Pennsylvania; Ryan Watson, 40, of Oklahoma; Tyler Wenrich, 31, of Virginia; and Michael Lee Evans, 72, of Texas. Security found ammunition in all five Americans' bags as they were traveling home from the islands.

Grier was arrested in May for having stray bullets after she recently purchased a firearm for her own protection. She explained that her brother owns a store that she sometimes closes at night and wanted a firearm in case of an emergency. She emphasized that she had no intention to hurt anyone or anything, and that she was afraid of the firearm herself, stating that "It's nothing to play around with."

Community Support During Detainment

After her arrest, Grier temporarily lived in a rental home with Watson and Hagerich. The trio became friends during their time on the islands awaiting justice. Watson expressed that it was important for Grier to have a comfortable and safe place to stay, emphasizing that they had formed a support system for each other, akin to a big family.

Return to the U.S.

Grier does not expect to ever return to Turks and Caicos, stating that she was "very satisfied" with the outcome of her case. She expressed her relief and happiness upon returning home and conveyed her excitement to spend time with her family and enjoy good food.