U.S. Marshals And ATF Increase Reward For Nathaniel Thomas To $10,000

ST. CROIX — The U.S. Marshals and ATF are seeking the public’s help in locating and arresting Nathaniel Thomas, 28 years old, who is wanted for escape.

On March 15th, Mr. Thomas escaped from the Golden Grove Detention Center two days after being convicted by a jury in District Court for weapons related offenses. Mr. Thomas is 5’8” tall and weighs 120 pounds.

The U.S. Marshals and ATF have increased the cash reward to $10,000 for information leading to the capture of Mr. Thomas. Any information will be considered confidential. Persons with information should contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED-2 (1-877-926-8332) or email at [email protected] to remain anonymous.

Nathaniel Thomas

A federal jury on two weeks ago found Mr. Thomas guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment, according to U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert.

Mr. Thomas is facing up to 10 years in prison for the felon in possession count of conviction, a mandatory minimum of fifteen years and up to twenty years in prison on the unlawful possession count and up to five years in prison on the reckless endangerment count.

According to two Golden Grove sources, Mr. Thomas escaped after cutting through a fence. It was unclear as to how he got out of the unit he was being held in.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Mr. Thomas, who had turned himself in after the V.I.P.D. posted a wanted notice, drove a vehicle into the Gas For Less Service Station on St. Croix in the early morning hours on May 15, 2016. He was followed by individuals in a Ford Explorer. Mr. Thomas stopped his car, came out and hid between nearby vehicles as the Explorer shifted into reverse. At this point shots were being discharged. When the Explorer started to leave the service station, Mr. Thomas chased the Explorer on foot while discharging shots toward the vehicle. He subsequently returned to his own vehicle and left the scene. Individuals in the area ran for cover and hid during the shooting. Over fifty spent shell casings were subsequently recovered from the crime scene, many of which were located on the nearby Queen Mary Highway.

[After Gun Battle Near Gas Station, Police Find Marijuana, Firearm, Wrecked Cars, Blood And Shell Casings]

After the shooting episode, the Explorer collided with two vehicles and came to rest nearby. Bullet holes were discovered in the windshield, on the driver side, and at the rear of the Explorer. Trial testimony established that Thomas was not authorized to possess a firearm and had previously been convicted of a felony offense, according to the evidence presented in court.