St. Thomas Man Shot Multiple Times After Argument; Another Shot Near His Apartment

ST. THOMAS — Shooting incidents here on Wednesday and Thursday ended with two men being transported to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital for emergency care, V.I.P.D. Media Specialist Sakeeda Freeman announced via press release late Thursday.

Ms. Freeman said that about 9:24 a.m. on Wednesday, officers were dispatched by the 911 emergency call center to a report of a shooting victim on the roadside leading towards the Bovoni Projects.

Upon arrival to the scene, officers encountered a responsive black male, later identified as 41-year-old Wayne Peters, who was being treated by emergency medical technicians.

According to the report, Mr. Peters was walking southward on the road from the Bovoni Projects, when he was approached by a black male, with whom an argument ensued. During the argument, the black male fired multiple shots and struck Mr. Peters about the body. The suspect then ran through the bushes heading towards the horse track.

On Thursday at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers were dispatched by the 911 emergency call center to a report of a shooting victim at Bjerge Gade.

Officers on the scene encountered a responsive black male later identified as 29-year-old Joel Hazel, who was being treated by the responding emergency medical technicians.

According to the release, based on the severity of his injury, Mr. Hazel was immediately transported to R.L.S.H.’s emergency room where he received treatment. Preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Hazel was sitting in the parkway of the building where he resides, when an unidentified vehicle pulled up on Bjerge Gade, and an unknown amount of suspects exited the vehicle firing shots towards him.

Mr. Hazel said he tried to evade the suspects but sustained a gunshot wound to the right foot. The unidentified vehicle then fled the scene in a southern direction.

These cases are currently under active investigation by the Investigation Bureau and Major Crimes Unit.

Anyone having information about this crime may notify Major Crimes at 340-714-9823 ext. 5617, Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-714-9807 ext. 5556, Crime Stoppers or the Chief’s Office at 340-774-2211.