BUCK ISLAND, ST. CROIX Photo Credit: VI CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — The National Park Service announced Thursday that effective immediately, Buck Island will be closed to the public at 4:00 p.m. daily and until further notice, an action taken in light of the weekend fight and shooting that rocked the popular beach, leading to a high-speed chase, confiscation of a firearm, five cellphones, and the arrest of one suspect.
"In keeping with Territorial public health guidance and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, Buck Island National Monument will close to the public daily from 4 p.m. to sunrise, effective immediately and until further notice," said the National Park Service. "Anchoring in the park is restricted to the West Beach anchoring area and an annual permit is required for all vessels. Vessels entering the lagoon to access the underwater trail moorings or to scuba dive must obtain an anchoring permit prior to entering park waters. Permits are issued by the park office at Christiansted National Historic Site."
On Jan. 10 at approximately 5:00 p.m., Buck Island Reef National Monument rangers heard multiple gunshots at West Beach and observed more than 20 people engaged in a brawl. Rangers worked to stop the fight and immediately began pursuit of a vessel that fled the scene. The U.S. Coast Guard apprehended the vessel’s driver and took the suspect into custody. Rangers also seized the vessel and recovered a firearm. No serious injuries were reported, stated the Park in its release.
The investigation has been transferred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant United States Attorney’s Office. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the FBI’s tip line at (787) 987-6413.
