VI CONSORTIUM
ST. THOMAS — Two individuals were in critical condition as of 2:13 p.m. Saturday after three gunmen stormed a jewelry store in Havensight with guns blazing while executing a robbery, V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez has confirmed to the Consortium.
The victims include a female patron and a security guard said to be a former police officer. The men stormed the store, named Glitter’s, after the 11:00 a.m. hour, shooting at the security guard and severely injuring him. The female patron then started screaming and attempted to run outside, but the suspects grabbed and pushed her back inside and shot her point blank in the chest, according to a person who has viewed surveillance footage of the crime.
The suspects, three black males, left with a few items which the commissioner described as “barely anything” and “minimal”. He said the suspects ditched their escape vehicle, which is in police custody, but they boarded another vehicle which seemed to be part of the robbery plan, and fled the scene.
A tip provided to detectives immediately after the shooting suggesting that one of the suspects was holed up in a building in Bovoni was abandoned, Mr. Martinez told the Consortium Saturday evening. Detectives were able to apprehend two persons of interest that police believe may be the individuals involved in today’s robbery and shooting.
Cruise Ship Day
The incident occurred on a day a cruise ship is docked at the West Indian Company (WICO), causing a scramble from WICO and V.I. Dept. of Tourism officials as they try to contain fallout from the brazen robbery and shooting.
Critical Condition
Both victims were in critical condition after sustaining severe gunshot injuries, according to Commissioner Martinez.
The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information about this incident to send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers USVI here.