Off-Duty Officer And Female Companion Injured During Robbery Attempt

ST. CROIX — An off-duty police officer and a female companion were injured on Friday morning in a robbery attempt that occurred in the vicinity of Northside Road approximately 100 yards south of the Queen Mary Highway and the Villa La Reine Shopping Center intersection, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte announced Friday.

Mr. Dratte said a preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were traveling on the Northside Road when three male individuals in a heavily tinted black vehicle approached their vehicle and attempted to rob them. The incident occurred at about 10:31 a.m.

During the course of the attempted robbery, the suspects discharged shots striking both victims, although neither of the victims discharged shots during the incident, Mr. Dratte said. The victims were both transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital by V.I.P.D. patrol units.

According to police, the off-duty officer sustained a gunshot wound to his leg area, and the female individual suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body. Both victims are said to be in stable condition.

While the attempted robbery was in progress, the nearby St. Croix Central High School was placed on lockdown, according to a release the Department of Education issued this afternoon. The school’s administration followed lockdown procedure and secured the perimeters of the campus and accounted for all students, faculty and staff members, the release said.

Following clearance from the Police Department around 12 noon, St. Croix District officials allowed the schools to be taken off of lockdown.

D.O.E. said it’s grateful for the quick response and mobilization of the school’s administration, monitors and the V.I.P.D. officers that worked to secure the school and
keep students and staff safe.

The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information about this incident to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, or contact Crime Stoppers USVI with you anonymous tip here.