Shootout in Castle Coakley near the Red Cross Center close to the Queen Mary Highway resulted in an innocent child being shot in the leg. Photo Credit: VI CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — A shootout that occurred Monday night between individuals at the front of the Red Cross Center in Castle Coakley resulted in an 8-year-old boy being rushed to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for emergency care after being shot in the leg, the Consortium can confirm.
The boy and his mom were in their vehicle innocently driving on the Queen Mary Highway between the old HH Tire and Battery location and the Red Cross Center, when the mother heard gunshots and realized that her son was injured.
A number of residents called 911 at about 8:11 p.m. to report the shots, and the Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to the location. On the scene of the incident, officers could be seen investigating the crime where multiple shell casings were discovered, pointing to a gun battle.
Police investigating scene of shooting on Monday night in Castle Coakley near the Red Cross Center. (Credit: VI Consortium)
The boy was said to be in stable condition at the hospital, according to Police Commissioner Ray Martinez. The commissioner could not confirm whether the boy was discharged from the hospital or was still receiving care.
Mr. Martinez denounced the incident and again pointed to the targeted nature of the crime, which in this instance did not only put innocent residents in danger but actually resulted in a child being shot. He again called on the community to help bring an end to these extremely dangerous scenarios by providing information to police through Crime Stoppers USVI and the Crime Tip Line at (340) 778-4950.
The commissioner said multiple leads were being followed. "We have several leads regarding the vehicles that were involved, and again this goes to show the callousness of targeted incidents that continue to endanger the public," he said.
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