Andres Ponce Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — A man was stabbed several times while inside the Wendy's fast food restaurant in Sunny Isle Sunday afternoon, Toby Derima, V.I.P.D. public information officer has announced.
According to the news release, on Sunday at approximately 3:15 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to Wendy’s in reference to an assault. An investigation revealed that a young Hispanic male, identified as 21-year-old Andres Ponce, Jr. of Bethlehem Village, approached an older Hispanic man from behind and stabbed him several times in the shoulder and back. The attack was stopped by a family member of Ponce who was with him, the V.I.P.D. said. Ponce was detained by an off-duty police officer who was nearby.
The victim left the restaurant and was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment.
Ponce, who is reported to suffer from mental illness, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, and carrying or using a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime of violence.
Unable to post bail of $25,000, he was remanded to the Golden Grove Detention Center pending his advisement hearing.
Update: This story was updated on Jan. 5, 2021 at 5:03 a.m. to reflect upgraded charges against the suspect, as provided to the media by the V.I.P.D. in an updated release.
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