From left to right, Elishwa Diaz and Shane Forbes, both 19. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A routine response to an auto collision at the intersection of Frenchtown and Veteran’s Drive escalated to a criminal investigation when officers discovered a gunshot victim among the injured parties. The incident occurred on November 4, at approximately 6:00 a.m., according to the V.I. Police Department.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers were informed by the 911 Emergency Call Center that there could be a gunshot victim in one of the vehicles. This prompted the patrol units to request emergency medical services and the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) to attend to the situation. The injured individuals were quickly transported to theSchneider Regional Medical Center's Emergency Room.
At the hospital, CIB officers made contact with two 19-year-old black males, Shane Forbes and Elishwa Diaz, and a minor black female, all of whom were traveling in the same vehicle at the time of the collision. One of the males was found to have sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and received treatment alongside the others for various injuries resulting from the collision.
Later, at the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex, the individuals waived their Constitutional Rights and provided statements regarding the incident. Following their testimonies, all parties were charged with constructive possession of a firearm in relation to the event on Veteran’s Drive.
The suspects, both residents of Annas Retreat, St. Thomas, were booked, processed, and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending an Advice of Rights Hearing. A bail amount of $75,000 was set by the Magistrate Court of the Virgin Islands.
Additional charges include constructive possession of ammunition, reckless endangerment, delaying and obstructing, illegal discharge, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and misprision of a felony.
The CIB continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with information to come forward. Detective Shikima Rhymer of the Criminal Investigation Bureau can be contacted at 340-774-2211. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or online here.
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