Michael D. Rhymer Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A retired corrections officer on Monday afternoon shot a male victim during an argument at the Break Time Bar in Market Square, leaving the victim wounded but in stable condition.
According to V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima, on Monday at 5:45 p.m. police arrested Michael D. Rhymer, age 65 of Estate Tutu, and charged him with third-degree assault in connection with the shooting.
Mr. Derima said detectives were dispatched to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital to meet with the gunshot victim, who told police that he was at the Break Time Bar in the area of Market Square when he heard a verbal altercation outside the bar. The victim then stated that after a brief conversation with Mr. Rhymer about what happened outside, Mr. Rhymer shot him. The victim was then transported to the hospital where he received treatment and was said to be in stable condition.
Mr. Rhymer, who is a retired corrections officer, admitted to shooting the victim and surrendered his licensed firearm to officers. He was placed under arrest pending his advisement hearing.
The case is presently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau, according to the V.I.P.D.
Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 ext. 5579 or Crime Stoppers USVI with an anonymous tip here.
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