0 Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — Two men were being treated for serious gunshot injuries at the Juan F. Luis Hospital following a shooting incident in Work & Rest Sunday afternoon, the Consortium has learned. Meanwhile, a police vehicle crashed after a suspect believed to be involved in the Work & Rest shooting pointed a gun at an officer who was in pursuit.
Police spokesman Glen Dratte confirmed to the Consortium that the shooting occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Work & Rest between suspects in two vehicles — identified by police as a black Toyota Corolla and an Acura TSX.
The Corolla had several bullet holes and its back glass was broken when it was spotted by an off-duty police officer moving at a high rate of speed on Peter's Rest Road near the El Sol Bar & Restaurant. The officer got into his marked police vehicle and attempted to make contact with the Toyota Corolla. However, the vehicle continued onto the Queen Mary Highway heading west then came to a stop near the Sion Farm Shanty, according to police.
After the vehicle stopped, a male individual on the passenger's side wearing dark clothing with a black shirt over his face came out the Corolla and pointed a gun at the police officer. This caused the officer to react instantly by changing the direction of his vehicle which resulted in an accident, according to police. The suspect then ran off into Sion Farm.
The Toyota Corolla continued driving westbound and moments later the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of two gunshot victims arriving at the hospital in a black Toyota Corolla seeking medical care.
One of the victims was in serious condition while another had surgery and was listed in serious but stable condition, Mr. Dratte said.
The black Toyota Corolla was processed and numerous shell casings were located in the vehicle's interior.
The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information about this shooting to send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers USVI here.
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