Akil Simmonds. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
UPDATE: The suspect is now in police custody after being apprehended without incident at 7:18p.m. in Estate Glynn on Wednesday.
ORIGINAL STORY: ST. CROIX — The V.I. Police Department on Wednesday asked the community for assistance to locate a man who escaped police custody while in handcuffs.
According to police spokesman Glen Dratte, officers responded at 5:46 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a notification from the 911 Emergency Call Center regarding a destruction of property incident, a matter classified as domestic violence. Officers arrived at the residence in Estate Mon Bijou and arrested 31-year-old Akil Simmonds in connection with the alleged crime.
However, while outside at the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station in Frederiksted, Simmonds — who was handcuffed — escaped, according to the V.I.P.D.
Mr. Dratte said Simmonds is wanted for destruction of property and disturbance by threats, and escape from custody. He was described as being 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighs about 120 pounds, is brown in complexion with black dreadlocks, and has brown eyes.
Simmonds is said to frequent Mon Bijou, Williams Delight and the John F. Kennedy Housing Community, according to police.
The police department said Simmonds is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Instead, persons who know of his whereabouts should call 911 or contact Police Officer Sarah Velez at the Wilbur Francis Command by calling (340) 772-2800, or 340 778-2211. You may also send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers USVI here.
