Scene of the territory's 41st homicide in Hospital Ground, St. Thomas on Dec. 9, 2024. Photo Credit: VIPD
The V.I. Police Department's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday evening in the Hospital Ground area of St. Thomas. The incident marks the territory's 41st homicide for 2024.
According to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, a police unit on patrol reported a man down at approximately 7:33 p.m. in the vicinity of Prindsens Gade, Hospital Ground. The report was quickly followed by ShotSpotter alerts, which notified authorities of gunfire in the area.
Emergency response units, including personnel from the VIPD, V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS), and St. Thomas Rescue, arrived promptly at the scene. Medical attendants assessed the situation but found no signs of life. The victim was later identified by family members as 26-year-old Andy Thompson.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Individuals can contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or dial 911.
The incident brings the total number of homicides in the territory for 2024 to 41, with 22 occurring on St. Thomas and 19 on St. Croix, according to Dratte.