Attempted Carjacking On Salt River Road Stokes Fears Of East End Road Rape Incident

ST. CROIX — An incident on Monday night could have turned deadly, as the lives of a couple became at risk when two suspects, riding in an S-10 pickup truck, attempted a carjacking on the victims, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte announced this afternoon.

The V.I.P.D. issued a similar warning to what it released following the East End Road rape incident that stunned St. Croix, warning motorists that if they’re being rear-ended, don’t stop immediately; instead, they should call 911 or wait until the nearest Police Station is in sight.

According to Mr. Dratte, on Monday at approximately 10:19 p.m., the 911 emergency call center dispatched officers from the Francis Command to the Salt River Marina in reference to a discharging of shots report.

Upon officers’ arrival to the scene, contact was made with an individual who explained what had occurred.

The victim said that he and his girlfriend were out having dinner in the Princess area, and were traveling in Salt River following the dinner, in the vicinity of the Scenic West Road intersection. The victim said he then observed a red, Chevy S-10 pickup truck with a cab following them. The truck suddenly overtook the couple and blocked the road.

The victim added that an unknown male suspect then came out the S-10 truck from the passenger’s side wearing a white t-shirt and white bandanna covering his face. He then walked to the rear of the S-10 truck and to the driver’s side of the vehicle the couple were traveling in, and pointed a gun at that vehicle, according to Mr. Dratte.

The victim told police that he placed his vehicle in reverse and drove off. The suspect then fired a single shot at the escaping victims, but the victims were not hurt. The male victim told police that he drove the vehicle to an establishment in the vicinity of Cane Bay, and called 911 from there.

The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of those involved in this incident to call the Criminal investigation Bureau immediately at 340-778-2211. You can also contact the anonymous tips line Crime Stoppers USVI, where your tip may lead to a payday.