Crime

St. Croix Man Charged After Allegedly Striking Officer With Metal Crutch at Bank

ST. CROIX — A St. Croix man is facing multiple assault-related charges after police say he struck an officer in the face with a metal crutch during a disturbance at a bank on Monday afternoon. The incident left the officer injured and resulted in the defendant being taken into custody following medical evaluation. According to police, Warren Freeman was at Oriental Bank when he began causing a disturbance, prompting officers to respond and assist in removing him from the premises. Officers reportedly instructed Freeman several times to leave the area, but he ignored their commands. Seated in a wheelchair, he continued shouting and using profanities while officers attempted to manage the situation. Police say that while one officer turned to speak with the branch manager, Freeman stood up from the wheelchair and swung a metal crutch at the officer’s head, striking the left side of his face. The officer, who reportedly suffered a deep laceration and was bleeding, responded by strikin...