Vehicles recently carjacked on St. Croix Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The V.I. Police Department is urging the community to be vigilant after a series of carjackings have struck, predominantly targeting women and so far happening on St. Croix.
An adult female reported the first incident on Saturday, August 19, at approximately 12:39 a.m. in the Peter’s Rest area. The victim and another female were walking to their vehicles when a black vehicle pulled up in front of her white 4-door 2015 Honda Civic SI, bearing the license plate CGV-797. Two male suspects, both dressed in all black, exited the vehicle and held the women at gunpoint. One suspect demanded the keys to her vehicle and her purse before both suspects fled the scene. One drove toward El Sol Restaurant while the other drove toward the Sion Farm traffic light.
A second carjacking was reported on Sunday, August 20, 2023, around 12:55 a.m. in the Orange Grove area. Another adult female was entering her 2018 gray 4-door Jeep Wrangler with license plate CHM-051 when a white, heavily tinted Toyota Yaris with no license plates pulled up beside her. A young male suspect, dressed in all black and appearing to have a light complexion, exited the Yaris armed with a black and brown handgun. He demanded her car keys and purse and then fled the area, followed by the Yaris.
Women have been the primary victims in these most recent carjackings, prompting VIPD to urge extra caution. Victims and potential victims are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and to take safeguarding measures. If anyone finds themselves a victim of a carjacking, they are advised to gather as much information as possible on the suspects and the vehicle they appeared in to assist law enforcement.
Lieutenant Naomi Joseph, Chief Detective of the Criminal Investigation Bureau in the St. Croix District, had specific advice for vehicle owners. She recommended removing tinted plastic shields from license plates as these hinder the police's ability to read the plates in the event of a stolen vehicle. Additionally, Lieutenant Joseph urged residents to install both front and rear license plates, stating that this "goes a long way in allowing us to do what we are supposed to do."
The Criminal Investigation Bureau is actively investigating the cases. Anyone with information about these crimes or any other related criminal activities is strongly encouraged to call 911 or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1(800)222-TIPS.
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