ST. THOMAS — A Firefighter was shot to death Thursday night outside the fire station near the Legislature here, V.I.P.D. Media Specialist Sakeeda Freeman has confirmed. The Consortium learned of the incident soon after it occurred, but was awaiting further details from police officials.
According to Ms. Freeman, at about 7:39 p.m. on Thursday, the 911 emergency call center received notification of shots being fired in the vicinity of emancipation garden by the fire station.
A preliminary investigation conducted by officers on the scene revealed that the victim, a senior firefighter named Gregory Louis, was sitting outside on a bench when an unknown suspect shot him in the back of his head.
Deceased firefighter Gregory Louis.
Upon EMT’s arrival to the scene, the victim was found to be unresponsive and declared dead.
Police say there is no suspect at this time.
The shooting death of Mr. Louis brings the territory’s homicide count to 43 this year, 26 in St. Thomas, 16 in St. Croix and 1 in St. John. The count includes four vehicular homicides.
Ms. Freeman said the Criminal Investigation Task Force is working on this incident and is reminding the community to please call the task force to shed light on any information that may lead to the arrest of those involved. Residents should call 340 774 2211, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS, or 911.
Correction: August 19, 2016
A previous version of this story misspelled the name of the deceased victim. It’s Gregory Louis, not Gregory Lewis. The story has been updated to reflect the correct information.
Tags: firefighter killed, st thomas, us virgin islands
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