Man Shot After Threatening Business Owner With Machete, Hand Saw

ST. THOMAS — A man was shot and later taken into custody by police after causing a disturbance at a bar, as well as threatening the bar’s owner with a machete and a hand saw, V.I.P.D. Media Specialist Sakeeda Freeman announced Monday.

According to Ms. Freeman, on Friday at about 6:30 p.m., the complainant, who is the owner of a facility named 1-800 Sports Bar, was called to his business by employees in reference to a male behaving erratically in a restricted area of the business.

Upon arrival to the scene, the business owner approached the male suspect, later identified as Brian E. Steele, who was behind the bar. Asked by the business owner what was his reason for being there, the complainant said Mr. Steele then held a machete and hand saw to his neck — prompting the complainant to pull away, draw his licensed firearm and order Mr. Steele to drop the weapons several times, according to Ms. Freeman.

The complainant said Mr. Steele did not comply. Instead, he started walking in the direction of the complainant wielding the machete and hand saw. The complainant said he began to fear for his life and fired a single shot at Mr. Steele, striking the suspect in his forefinger and the right side of his neck.

Mr. Steele, who refused treatment, was charged with third-degree assault, according to Ms. Freeman.

The incident is presently under investigation by the V.I.P.D.’s Criminal Investigation Bureau. The force is asking anyone with information about the occurrence to contact the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5579 and 5557. You can also reach Crime Stoppers USVI and submit a tip.