VIPD Calls 2 P.M. Press Conference To Address Thursday Night Shootout. Watch It Live On The Consortium.

ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Police Department will host a press conference at 2:00 p.m. today at the force’s Mars Hill headquarters, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte has confirmed. V.I.P.D. Commissioner Delroy Richards is expected to address the community relative to the Thursday night shootout that left two dead and at least four injured.

The Consortium will carry the press conference live on its Facebook platform and website.

Shootout

The Thursday night shootout occurred near the Lagoon Complex Housing Community, located in Frederiksted close to the vegetable market near the former Fritz Lawaetz Legislative Building, Mr. Dratte said.

The gunshots, first heard at about 9:10 p.m., rattled Frederiksted, with persons who heard them stating that the noise sounded like a war zone. Mr. Dratte said some individuals were gathered at the market when suspects approached and opened fire. A shootout then ensued, leaving two persons dead and four injured. Two victims were transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital (J.F.L.) by private vehicle, and four others were transported via ambulance, Mr. Dratte said.

According to V.I.P.D. Commissioner Delroy Richards, the incident could be retaliatory in nature. “There is something that’s pointing in that direction based on the information we have so far,” he said. The commissioner described the incident as active and developing. He said V.I.P.D. officers were able to track the suspects to the Mahogany Road area in Frederiksted, where a vehicle previously reported stolen was discovered. “We are actively conducting a search in the area,” the commissioner said.

J.F.L.’s emergency room was said to be a chaotic scene as victims of last night’s shooting were admitted for emergency care. In the lobby area, family members waited to learn of their loved ones condition, making for a tense and anxious scene, according to a person in the emergency room who requested anonymity.

The names of the deceased were being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Though the case is developing, the V.I.P.D. is following all leads. If you have information that may lead to the arrest of suspects, police are asking that you call 340-778-2211, or contact Crime Stoppers USVI with an anonymous tip here.