The VIPD has not provided mugshots of the suspects.
ST. THOMAS — A late-night confrontation at a gas station in St. Thomas has left two men facing felony charges and court-imposed curfews following a violent clash that ended with one man stabbed and another allegedly robbed of his jewelry.
The incident occurred in the early hours of April 28 at the Race Track Gas Station near Alton Adams Drive. Police were dispatched to the area after receiving reports of an assault.
Upon arrival, officers found David Fredericks bleeding heavily from facial injuries. Meanwhile, a second man, later identified as Khaleem Rieara, had already gone to the Schneider Regional Medical Center emergency room with multiple stab wounds.
At the scene, officers spoke with a security guard who provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the altercation. According to the guard, Rieara entered the gas station and asked to use his phone. He was allowed, but the call became loud and disruptive, prompting the guard to ask Rieara to continue the conversation outside.
While Rieara continued shouting outside, Fredericks, who had been sitting in a parked vehicle, reportedly approached him and told him to calm down. This intervention sparked a verbal confrontation. The security guard says he attempted to defuse the situation by asking Fredericks to return to his vehicle and avoid further interaction with Rieara.
Fredericks, however, allegedly refused to step away and instead engaged in what police described as a prolonged “stare off” with Rieara.
After returning the phone to the guard and buying a beer, Rieara left the store—but was reportedly confronted again by Fredericks. This time, the exchange turned physical. According to police, Fredericks pulled a small black knife and stabbed Rieara multiple times, including in the neck.
Rieara then managed to overpower Fredericks, disarm him, and land several punches to Fredericks’ face. Police say that while Fredericks was dazed from the blows, Rieara allegedly removed Fredericks’ jewelry, took the knife, and fled the scene.
The security guard told officers he helped Fredericks to his feet, placed him in his vehicle, and called for help.
Police who later arrived at the hospital were informed that Rieara had been rushed to surgery. Officers collected two gold chains and a gold bracelet from Rieara’s belongings as evidence.
Fredericks was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree assault, third-degree assault, disturbance of the peace, mayhem, use of a deadly weapon, use of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime, and second-degree reckless endangerment.
He appeared before Magistrate Paula Norkaitis on April 29, who found probable cause to uphold all charges. Bail was set at $50,000, but Fredericks was allowed to post 10% to secure release. He must observe a midnight to 7:00 a.m. curfew and stay at least 100 feet away from Rieara at all times.
Following Fredericks’ arrest, police continued their investigation. Surveillance footage from the gas station reportedly supported the guard’s account and confirmed that Fredericks had been wearing two gold chains and a bracelet—the same items found in Rieara’s possession at the hospital.
On May 5, Fredericks went to the Richard Callwood Command police station to inquire about his missing jewelry. He reportedly provided video footage showing him wearing the jewelry, further establishing ownership.
By the next morning, May 6, Rieara had been discharged from the hospital. Police located him at the Paul M. Pearson Gardens housing community and took him to the Investigation Bureau. Rieara reportedly told officers he had little memory of the April 28 incident, citing the effects of anesthesia received during surgery. He claimed that others had informed him about what happened.
Rieara was then arrested and charged with grand larceny, simple assault, possession of stolen property, and disturbance of the peace.
He appeared before Magistrate Norkaitis on Wednesday for his advice of rights hearing. The judge upheld all charges and set bail at $20,000, with a 10% provision for release. Like Fredericks, Rieara must comply with a midnight to 7:00 a.m. curfew and maintain a 100-foot distance from Fredericks.
Fredericks is scheduled to be arraigned on May 16, while Rieara is due back in court on May 23.
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