Honda Civic Shooting Victim Airlifted Out Of Territory; Juan Luis Under Heavy Security

ST. CROIX — The man who was gunned down by unknown assailants on Centerline Road near Central High School was airlifted on Saturday night at around 11:00 p.m. out of the territory by jet ambulance, people with firsthand knowledge of the matter have confirmed to The Consortium. It was not immediately clear if he was being transported to the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico.

The shooting victim, identified as Dwayne “DMX” Woodrup, sustained multiple gunshot wounds by suspects who drove past him near the stoplights at the intersection close to the school, and unleashed rapid fire from the victim’s right side, as he was traveling east, and to the front of the severely damaged car.

He was said to be in critical condition, and according to VIPD Public Information Officer Kevin Jackson, Woodrup was “clinging to life.”

The Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center has been under heavy security all weekend, according to these people. Currently, there are Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs peace officers at the hospital, along with a K9-Unit officer, patrolling the facility. There’s enforcement presence both inside and out. Also, the hospital’s own security has been placed on heightened alert; and yesterday, Superior Court Marshals were on site.

Winsburt McFarlane, a former police chief who now heads DLCA’s enforcement arm, is coordinating the security effort at the hospital. There’s also another shooting victim — injured during the gunfight at Red Brick/Water Gut Apartments on Friday night — in critical condition at JFL, who might be airlifted out of this island for adequate care, according to these people.

The weekend has seen multiple gunfights here, leading Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter, acting in the capacity of governor while Kenneth Mapp is away, to declare a territory-wide state of emergency, with a strong concentration on this island, including checkpoints at various locations.

“Unless we are able to discourage and overcome this misguided attempt to enforce ‘street justice’ among groups, gangs, and families, we will continue to bury more and more of our residents, particularly those among the young male population,” said Potter yesterday

“The time has come, if we are to survive as a community, for each of us to demonstrate responsibility, and share what we know with our law enforcement community, and enable our duly authorized professionals to do the jobs which they have been trained to do,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, 31st Legislature Senators Novelle Francis and Neville James spoke against the violence while encouraging swift action.

“This is not a 48 hour problem,” Francis said of gun violence in the territory. “This a major problem that has to be addressed comprehensively and strategically. The police leadership needs to show the community that law enforcement is up to the task and prepared to tackle the criminal element head on as they work to contain and eradicate violence in the streets.”

James was appalled by the apparent disregard of life on display throughout the weekend.

“The spike in violent crime sweeping the island of St. Croix this past Friday and now today is deplorable. The callousness and indifference towards the life of human beings is something we desperately have to improve upon, and quickly, because my island has no more lives to spare.”