Mugshot of Travis Lawrence. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses following a violent attack on an elderly neighbor early Sunday morning in Estate St. George, Frederiksted.
According to VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, the incident occurred around 3:53 a.m. The 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of an assault, and responders were informed that the victim—an elderly male—had been found unconscious and was being transported by ambulance to the Juan Luis Hospital emergency room.
Upon arrival at the hospital, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Bureau observed that the victim had sustained a visible injury to his head and remained unconscious. According to a witness, the assault occurred after the suspect, identified as Travis Lawrence Jr., approached the residence asking for help.
The witness, who was asleep at the time, said they recognized Lawrence as their neighbor and invited him inside to provide assistance. Once inside, Lawrence allegedly locked the screen door and began repeatedly punching the elderly man in the face and head without provocation.
Due to the severity of the injuries, the victim will be airlifted off-island for further medical treatment, police said.
Responding officers from the Patrol Bureau detained Lawrence at the scene and transported him to the Juan Luis Hospital, where he was treated for minor cuts unrelated to the assault. He was later arrested by detectives, advised of his rights, and declined to provide a statement.
Lawrence has been charged with third-degree assault, aggravated assault and battery, and mayhem. His bail was set at $25,000. He was booked and transported to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights hearing, which is scheduled for Monday in the Superior Court.
The case is being handled by the VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.
