Kenneth Christian, 34, was arrested about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and charged with forcible sexual battery, kidnapping and bank robbery, according to a Police Department release issued Wednesday.
Christian was wanted in Florida, and law enforcement officials said they believe Christian fled to St. Croix on April 20 to avoid prosecution. The bank robbery charge originated in Gainesville, Fla., on March 28. Police said the alleged forcible sexual battery and kidnapping were committed in the same area on April 17.
Police Department spokeswoman Melody Rames would not say whether Christian had ties to the territory.
“We don’t give out that information,” she said.
Following an extensive manhunt for Christian on St. Croix, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and local police officers apprehended Christian at a residence in Estate Grove Place.
Police said Christian has a violent criminal history that includes previously shooting at Florida police officers. Christian is expected to be extradited to Florida where he will undergo judicial proceedings on his charges.
The apprehension of Christian is considered to be a high profile arrest by all participating agencies due to the charges and his criminal past.
