After two St. Croix men successfully carjacked a vehicle in Gallows Bay on Saturday night, one of the suspects opened fire on police while attempting to escape in a high-speed chase, the V.I.P.D. has revealed.
According to police spokesperson Melody Rames, the carjacking victim, a security guard in the area, was siting in his vehicle in a parking lot at around 10:38 p.m. when a masked man approached him, instructing him to cooperate in order to avoid being hurt. Afraid, the man got out of the car and handed over the keys to the suspect. At that time, a second suspect joined the masked man and they both got into to the vehicle. It turned out, however, that the car would not start. The victim proceeded to help the men start the vehicle and the suspects took off.
Police spotted the vehicle speeding on Queen Mary Highway near Estate Anna’s Hope, and began pursuit through Estate Anna’s Hope, Catherine’s Rest, Rosegate, and Work and Rest. The suspects abandoned the vehicle in Work and Rest, and managed to escape on foot. One suspect fired a shot at officers and officers returned fire. No one was injured. The suspects remain at large.
This is the latest in a string of carjackings and robberies that have plagued St. Croix in recent weeks.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Bureau are following up with this case.