ST. CROIX — Emergency responders in St. Croix were called to rescue a man early Friday morning following a violent assault that led to him seeking refuge in the sea.
According to the police report, the incident, which occurred in the vicinity of Coconut on the Beach in Frederiksted, saw multiple emergency units respond after a report of a possible drowning.
The V.I. Police Department received the call around 5:30 a.m. regarding a man in distress in the waters near the old Coconuts area. When officers arrived at the scene, they met with a witness who stated he had heard cries for help coming from the beach area, prompting him to investigate.
According to the witness, he found the victim in the water and managed to bring him ashore using a surfboard. The victim reported to responders that he had been attacked on the beach by an individual armed with a pipe, leading him to flee into the sea to escape further harm.
Upon questioning, the victim detailed events from the previous day, describing how he had allowed a man to use his cell phone near the Frederiksted Health Care facility. However, he said that the man allegedly stole his phone, and a confrontation ensued. According to the victim, the situation escalated the following morning when the same individual approached him again, this time with a weapon.
The victim described a brutal assault in which he was repeatedly struck with a metal rebar across his head, face, and torso. The assailant, whom the victim described as a thin man dressed in a beige-colored short pant and possibly a blue shirt, reportedly threatened to kill him during the assault. In an attempt to defend himself, the victim used a stick to strike his attacker but ultimately fled to the water to escape further harm.
Emergency medical personnel on-site reported visible injuries on the victim, noting what appeared to be red liquid on his forehead and leg. Complaints of pain in his rib and knee areas were also recorded. After initial treatment at the scene, the man was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for further evaluation and care.
Police confirmed that the Criminal Investigations Bureau has taken over the case and will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
