St. Croix Police Officer Shot In Friendly Fire Incident

ST. CROIX — An off-duty police officer responding to an incident on St. Croix was shot on Thursday night by an on-duty police officer, who had arrived on the scene and did not immediately recognize his fellow colleague, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte announced Friday.

According to Mr. Dratte, the off-duty police officer had responded to a 911 emergency call center notification regarding a man brandishing a firearm at the Frontline Bar in Calquhoun at about 11:30 p.m. The off-duty officer had notified 911 that he was responding to the incident.

Upon the officer’s arrival, contact was made with the suspect, who was told by the officer to drop his weapon. However, instead of surrendering, the suspect pointed his gun at the officer, causing the officer to discharge his firearm.

The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds about his body.

Following the exchange between the officer and the suspect, an on-duty officer arrived on the scene — unaware of the off-duty officer’s presence, according to Mr. Dratte —  and began firing shots, wounding the off-duty officer in the hip area.

Both the suspect and off-duty officer were transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment. Police are gathering evidence before charging and arresting the suspect, according to Mr. Dratte.