A 29-year-old man was shot and injured just before 11 p.m. Thursday on Smith Street in the Water Gut area of in Christiansted, the V.I. Police Department reported.

The victim, who was not identified by police, told detectives from the Criminal Investigation Bureau he was walking in the area when he heard several shots and realized he had been injured in the face and hand. The victim said he ran toward Market Street.

He was taken to the Gov. Juan F. Luis Memorial Hospital and treated for his injuries.

Police were patrolling in Christiansted when the incident occurred. The officer heard the shots and called for backup while traveling to the area. Police canvassed the area looking for possible suspects but were unable to locate them.

The case is being followed up by the Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives.