ST. CROIX — A man could have lost his life Friday after agreeing to buy a gold chain through an online marketplace, only to have the seller steal his money and phone, and fire multiple gunshots while fleeing the scene.
That's according to the V.I. Police Department, which issued a release on the incident Sunday.
Police spokesman Toby Derima said that on Friday at around 10:07 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a call of discharging of gunshots in Estate Whim, in the vicinity of the Rendholt Jackson Sports Complex, and another report of a black SUV chasing a tan vehicle.
According to the news release, Officers were dispatched to a nearby gas station, where the victim was located. He reported to police that he went to the Jackson Sports Complex to meet a male individual who was selling a gold chain through Facebook Marketplace. When the buyer and the seller met, the seller brandished a firearm, and he and two other males robbed the buyer of his mobile phone and cash. The suspects fled the area in a tan vehicle, while firing shots at the victim.
The victim followed the suspects into Williams Delight, but then turned around, went to the gas station, and borrowed someone’s phone to call 911, Mr. Derima said. The victim was unhurt, but his vehicle sustained gunshot damage.
Detectives are urging anyone who saw what happened to call 911, the Crime TipLine at (340) 778-4950, or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS.
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