ST. CROIX — A man died and another was injured after the car they were traveling in got riddled with gunshots in the Barren Spot area, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer, Glen Dratte, announced late Friday. The shooting caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which overturned.
The incident appeared to have been an ambush-style attack, according to a police officer.
The shooting occurred during the noon hour, with the 911 emergency call center receiving notification of the incident at 12:36 p.m., according to Mr. Dratte. Police units were immediately dispatched to the area.
Mr. Dratte said several officers arrived on the scene and made contact with a male victim, who had sustained lacerations about the body and was offered medical assistance.
The victim told police that he was on the passenger’s side of the vehicle riding with his friend in the Barren Spot area, when he heard shots discharged. The driver lost control and overturned the vehicle, according to the surviving male victim.
Officers also observed a male individual lying on his back behind the steering wheel on the driver’s side of the overturned vehicle.
EMTs, along with St. Croix Rescue personnel, arrived on the scene and confirmed that the male victim situated motionless behind the steering wheel, had no vital signs of life.
The victim was pronounced dead by medical attendants on the scene, according to Mr. Dratte. The victim on the passenger side was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for further medical attention. Police have yet to reveal the identity of the slain victim.
The case is under active investigation, according to police.
The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of perpetrators to call 340-778-2211, or contact the anonymous tips line Crime Stoppers USVI here.
Tags: barren spot, shooting, us virgin islands
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