July 5, 2001 – Federal agents have joined the search for missing St. Croix police officer Wendell "Lazee" Williams, according to Police Commissioner Franz Christian.
"The FBI is actively involved in the investigation," Christian said on Tuesday of the three-week search for Williams.
In addition to FBI agents, Christian said, dozens of officers are still involved in Operation Quest, the effort to find or find out what happened to their colleague. Williams disappeared in mid-June after dropping a relative off at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
What was initially a missing-person case was upgraded to a criminal investigation last week with the discovery of Williams' burned vehicle.
Christian said the department, which is offering a $6,000 reward for information on Williams’ whereabouts, still is looking to the community for help. People have been coming forward, but so far "there is no significant information," he said. "No matter how simple the information is, please give us a call."
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull expressed his concern about Williams on Tuesday, saying the entire community is saddened when an officer is harmed and that he hoped Williams will be found alive.
"We are still hoping and praying that it will be the best," Turnbull said.
Police officials have described Williams as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 190-200 pounds, with brown eyes, a beard and graying hair in a low-cut Afro style. He is known to frequent the Five Corners service station and the Peter's Rest cricket field.
Anyone with information as to his possible whereabouts is asked to call police at 778-4950, 778-2211 ext. 4530, or the emergency number 911.
