A man led police on a high-speed chase in St. John Friday using a Viya bucket truck, after he allegedly shot after an individual. Photo Credit: VIDEO OF INCIDENT
ST. JOHN — A St. Thomas man who as of Friday was employed by Viya, used the company's bucket truck to escape police after allegedly discharging a gunshot at an individual in St. John, police spokesman Toby Derima has announced.
According to the news release, police on Friday at 5:50 p.m arrested Rashad A. Creque, age 24 of Contant, and charged him with illegal discharge of a firearm and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Mr. Derima said Creque was accused of discharging a firearm at an unknown person. "While driving his employer’s vehicle, he led officers on a pursuit around the island of St. John. After a brief attempt to flee officers, Creque was apprehended with a firearm being found in his possession," according to the release.
In a statement issued Sunday, Viya said, "Viya is aware of the incident that occurred on October 9, 2020 involving the unauthorized use of one of its vehicles on St. John, and we are grateful to the Virgin Islands Police Department for their efforts in apprehending the individual. We can confirm the driver was an employee of Viya, but have no further comment at this time. Viya continues to cooperate with the police in their investigation."
Mugshot of Rashad A. Creque (provided by the V.I.P.D.)
Video footage of the incident shows the bucket truck speeding up a hill and missing an incoming vehicle, as police with sirens blaring followed in pursuit. [Watch footage of the bucket truck high speed chase. Viewer discretion advised: vulgar language throughout video.]
The incident wasn't Creque's first encounter with police. In May, he allegedly barricaded himself inside his home in an attempt to avoid being arrested and charged with illegal discharging of a firearm.
St. John Deputy Chief of Police Vivianne Newton praised the officers for their determination in locating and apprehending Creque. “I am happy that we were able to catch him without serious injuries to himself or our officers,” Deputy Chief Newton said.
Unable to post bail of $50,000, Creque was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advisement hearing.
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