Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas USVI. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. THOMAS — Deray Smithen, the prime suspect in Monday's shooting at the Frontline Bar & Restaurant, was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon at the Cyril E. King Airport, the V.I. Police Department has confirmed.
The double shooting, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Monday, left a man in critical condition and a female bystander with non-life-threatening injuries. Both victims were rushed to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for medical attention.
Witnesses and surveillance footage identified Smithen as the primary shooter in the altercation that began as a verbal disagreement at the Frontline Bar & Restaurant. The dispute quickly turned physical, culminating in Smithen allegedly discharging multiple rounds, critically injuring the male victim. A female individual, who was attempting to escape the chaos, was grazed by one of the bullets.
Smithen, 35, who had reportedly traveled to St. Thomas by boat, was planning to continue his journey to the U.S. mainland by air. However, his escape was thwarted by Customs and Border Protection agents at the Cyril E. King Airport after his details were flagged in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
The VIPD had previously released a description of the suspect as a black male, approximately 5'10" tall, weighing around 210 lbs., with a distinguishing short, close-cut black hair and brown eyes.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any additional information related to the case. Those with relevant details are encouraged to reach out to the CIB Detectives at 340-778-4850, the CIB tip line at 340-475-3871, Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-TIPS, or in emergencies, to dial 911.
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