St. Croix Family Held Hostage for $100K, Gunmen Escape

A Banco Popular employee and her family were held hostage for several hours late Monday night in their Estate Strawberry home when gunmen forced their way into the home and demanded the employee give them access to $100,000 at the bank’s Orange Grove location on St. Croix.

According to police spokesperson Melody Rames, the victim returned home at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 22 and was approached by four gunmen who forced their way into the home. The gunmen demanded the victim take them to get $100,000 from the Banco Popular Orange Grove Branch where she is employed. When the victim explained it was impossible for her to fulfill their request, the gunmen left the home without harming any of its inhabitants. At least three other family members were present at the time the incident occurred.

The victim said the armed men were dressed in all-black clothing and carried small hand guns.

Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives are investigating the case and urge the public to call police if they know anything about the incident. Calls may be made to 340-712-6037, 340-712- 6077, 911 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.