St. Croix Man Arrested for Shooting During Alleged Marijuana Sale

ST. CROIX — A 31-year-old man is in custody after being charged in connection with a February 2024 shooting that left a victim hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds. The Virgin Islands Police Department announced that Troy Hazell Jr. was arrested on April 1, 2025, following the execution of a warrant signed by a Superior Court judge. The incident occurred on the morning of February 22, 2024. At approximately 9:44 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of a gunshot victim being transported by private vehicle to the Juan F. Luis Hospital. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his back, abdomen, and buttocks. A detective with the VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau was assigned to the case. According to the investigation, Hazell Jr. had arranged to meet the victim to purchase marijuana. He initially entered the victim’s vehicle, confirmed the purchase, and then exited the car claiming he was going to retrieve the money. When Hazell Jr. returned, he was armed with a...