Brother Of Sen. Kurt Vialet Shot Twice In Drive-By Shooting Incident

ST. CROIX — 53-year-old Roy Vialet, VI National Guardsman and brother of Senator Kurt Vialet, was shot in both forearms on Thursday night in a drive-by shooting incident that occurred near Plaza Extra East while tropical storm Erika was impacting the territory, Sen. Vialet has confirmed to The Consortium. The incident, along with another drive-by shooting that occurred the same night, was subsequently confirmed by VIPD Public Information Officer Kevin Jackson.

According to Jackson, on Thursday at roughly 8:56 pm, an off-duty officer employed at the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center reported via radio to the 911 emergency call center that a gunshot victim had just driven himself to the facility for treatment.

Officers responded to the call and met with the 53 year-old victim, Mr. Vialet, who stated that he was operating his vehicle on the Melvin H. Evan Highway, driving west to east when another vehicle approached from behind and passed him. Following the vehicle closely, he utilized the illumination cast by its headlights to navigate the road as a black-out ensued. As the two neared the Sunny Isle intersection, the vehicle in front of Vialet veered into the turn lane leading towards the Hess Access Road as Vialet continued through the intersection. However, the driver of the vehicle that Vialet had been following doubled-back and began to follow him. Nearing the Sion Farm Shopping Center, Vialet stated that a vehicle suddenly passed him and he heard a loud noise.

Shortly after having heard the loud noise, Vialet stated that he felt a sensation of numbness to his hands and realized that he’d been shot and drove himself to the emergency room for treatment. The vehicle involved in the incident was described as having been a silver or white-colored Jeep, while the driver was described as being a light-complexioned male. Mr. Vialet sustained gunshot wounds to both of his forearms in the incident.

Sen. Kurt Vialet confirmed to The Consortium that his brother was doing well after undergoing surgery.

Later that evening at 9:18, a 55-year-old male arrived at the Ancilmo Marshall Command in the Basin Triangle and reported that someone had fired shots at him while in his vehicle.

The victim stated that he was driving in the area of Contentment when a passing vehicle discharged shots at him. The victim was unhurt in the incident and was only able to tell officers that the gunfire came from a green-colored Jeep.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Unit are investigating both incidents.

Feature Image: From right, Roy Vialet and another VI Guardsman examining documents.