Breaking

ST. CROIX — A strange incident occurred in Estate Strawberry on Friday night, leaving one suspect shot and the intended victims unharmed, according to a press release VIPD Public Information Officer Kevin Jackson issued on Friday.

According to the report, the 911 emergency call center received notification of a home invasion in Strawberry, with the caller stating that his minor children were being held as hostages in the home.

According to preliminary information, the two boys, ages 17 and 18, were at the residence when the elder of the two went outside to check the home’s air conditioning system. While outside, he was approached by three male individuals brandishing guns and demanding money.

The individuals then led the 18-year-old into the house where the suspects discovered a safe and began to move it outside. However, as the suspects got outside, something unexpected happened — shots were fired — prompting the two suspects to run off leaving the safe on the premises.

At that time, the 911 emergency call center received a separate call from concerned residents in the neighborhood, indicating that an individual was shot and needed help.

Upon arrival on the scene, emergency responders confirmed that the victim had been shot twice, and was transported to the Juan F. Luis Medical Center for care.

Jackson told The Consortium that the shooting victim was one of the suspects who attempted the robbery. But there was no information regarding who perpetrated the shooting.

Detectives are continuing their investigation into this matter.

Correction: June 11, 2015

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the 17-year-old minor lead the three suspects into the house. It was not a VIC mistake, however, the incorrect age was reported in VIPD Public Information Officer Kevin Jackson’s press release. After The Consortium reached out to Jackson for clarification, he apologized for the error. The story has been updated to reflect the correction information.

Ernice Gilbert
I wear many hats, I suppose, but the one which fits me best would be journalism, second to that would be radio personality, thirdly singer/songwriter and down the line. I've been the Editor-In-Chief at my videogames website, Gamesthirst, for over 5 years, writing over 7,000 articles and more than 2 million words. I'm also very passionate about where I live, the United States Virgin Islands, and I'm intent on making it a better place by being resourceful and keeping our leaders honest. VI Consortium was birthed out of said desire, hopefully my efforts bear fruit. Reach me at [email protected].