ST. THOMAS — Masked and armed men injured a jewelry store employee on Saturday by striking the victim with a gun while attempting to rob the store, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima has announced.
According to Mr. Derima, on Saturday at approximately 11:38 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to Namah Jewelry & Gifts, located in the Drake’s Passage Shopping Mall in downtown Charlotte Amalie, regarding an attempted robbery.
Officers contacted the victim who stated that two black males wearing masks and construction vests entered the establishment. The suspects, armed with a gun, attempted to remove valuables from the store. The victim was struck with a firearm during a struggle with the suspects before the suspects fled the area on foot. The victim, who was injured during the struggle, was transported to the Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Mr. Derima said the suspects were not successful in leaving the store will jewelry, according to a preliminary report, although the owners are expected to report back to the police force following a full inspection of the store.
This case is presently under investigation. Anyone with any information regarding this crime is urged to call 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 extension 5579 or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS.

