Police Seeking Community’s Assistance In Locating Man Accused Of Raping 14-Year-Old (UPDATE)

Update: Police apprehended the suspect at 2:30 a.m. Saturday. He was charged with second-degree aggravated rape and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections.

Original Story: ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Police Department late Friday called on the community for its assistance in locating a man accused of raping a 14-year-old minor in the wee hours of Friday.

According Glen Dratte, the V.I.P.D.’s public information officer, on Friday at approximately 1:28 a.m., the 911 emergency call center received a complaint in reference to a rape incident. Police officers were dispatched to the location and upon their arrival, a 14-year-old female minor told the officers that she had been raped by an acquaintance, 30-year-old Michael Ortiz.

Mr. Ortiz is a Hispanic male with a low hair cut, according to police. When last seen, he was wearing red basketball shorts and a cream-colored long sleeve shirt. No other description of Mr. Ortiz was given.

The force is asking anyone who may know of Mr. Ortiz’s whereabouts to call the V.I.P.D.’s Domestic Violence Unit at 340-778-7211. You can also contact Crime stoppers USVI, where your tip could lead to a payday worth thousands.