An ambulance on St. Croix. By. V.I. CONSORTIUM
The V.I. Police Department is investigating two Saturday shooting incidents classified as attempted murder, with one occurring in Castle Coakley, St. Croix, and another in Red Hook, St. Thomas.
St. Thomas Shooting
According to V.I.P.D. Director of Communications Glen Dratte, on Saturday at about 4:05 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to the Schneider Regional Medical Center after being notified by Emergency Room personnel of a gunshot victim.
The V.I.P.D. said the male victim told detectives that he was walking to his vehicle from the former Tootsys Gentlemen's Club in Red Hook, when he heard a single gunshot and subsequently realized that he was shot.
The victim was transported to the hospital by a friend, where he received treatment, according to the police department.
Shooting on St. Croix
Also on Saturday at about 8:18 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center notified police officers that a gunshot victim had arrived at the Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Detectives along with forensic personnel traveled to the medical facility where they observed a white 325i BMW parked in front of the hospital. A look inside the vehicle revealed that the rear seat was covered in blood.
According to the V.I.P.D., investigators learned that the victim was assaulted by two individuals who first shot the victim in Castle Coakley. While the wounded victim was on the ground, the other suspect ran over him with his vehicle, the V.I.P.D. said.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds to both upper arms, chin, a puncture on his chest, and lacerations on his face and hands. The victim as of late Saturday was in stable but guarded condition, police said.
Both suspects fled the area.
Detectives with the V.I.P.D.'s Criminal Investigation Bureau are currently working on both cases, according to police.
Anyone with information regarding the St. Thomas incident is asked to call (340) 774-2211 ext. 5577. For the St. Croix matter, call the C.I.B. Tip-Line at 340-778-4950, 340-712-6092. You may also contact Crime Stoppers USVI with an anonymous tip here.
