Police Commissioner Urging St. Croix Community To Be Vigilant Following Rape Incident

ST. CROIX — Following the rape of a female on Saturday night that was described as “vicious,” V.I.P.D. Commissioner Delroy Richards — in a brief interview with The Consortium late Monday — urged St. Croix residents to be vigilant, warning that three male suspects were still on the loose.

The incident occurred on the East End Road, with reports pinning the location anywhere between Tide Village or near Divi. Two females were driving when suddenly a white double cab truck rear-ended them, prompting the victims to stop the vehicle. One female stepped out of the vehicle and was taken by the three assailants elsewhere and raped. She was later dropped off near Limetree Bay Terminals, formerly the HOVENSA Refinery. The second victim managed to escape.

The victim was also threatened, with the assailants — who took a picture of her ID that included her address — telling the victim that if she were to report the incident, she along with her entire family would be killed, according to a Facebook post shared former lieutenant governor candidate and former V.I Fire Service chief, Angel Torres, which Mr. Torres told The Consortium this evening included information provided by a police officer.

Mr. Richards said he’s aim is not to panic the community, but said that the warning was warranted in light of the circumstances.

“I just want to warn individuals that you have three guys out there who committed an act, and until we are able to take them into custody, I want everyone to be as vigilant as possible, be very careful. I don’t want to instill outright panic, but I want people to be aware that these guys are out there and like I said, until we take them into custody, I want residents to take all the precautions necessary,” Mr. Richards said. The police commissioner also asked residents to report anything suspicious, especially if they see a vehicle fitting the description provided by the victims: a white double cab truck.

Mr. Richards said the force would not relent in working on this incident, just as it continues to take all criminal cases seriously. He also expressed sadness at what had occurred, stating that no parent should have to be the recipient of such news.

“When you have youngsters and you have kids, you wouldn’t want anybody to to accost and perform such a vicious act on any family member,” Mr. Richards said. “So I’m very concerned and I’m very upset over it, and I have determined — and I have met with my folks in the V.I.P.D. — that we are going to be very, very relentless in our efforts to bring whoever it is to justice.”

While the commissioner was not willing to provide details on the case’s progress, Mr. Richards said, “The investigation is moving along in a manner in which I’m pleased with.”

Police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the assailants to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, or Crime Stoppers USVI.