A man was wounded by at least three gunshots Tuesday in the Altona and Welgunst area and was treated at the Schneider Regional Medical Center, the V.I. Police Department reported Wednesday.
According to the report, police on St. Thomas were on patrol at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday in the Contant Knolls area when they heard gunshots. Officers traveled to the area and saw a vehicle that was over the embankment. Upon further inspection officers saw what appeared to be blood stains in and around the vehicle as well as damage to the windshield and body of the car. Officers said they observed bullet shell casings on the ground. No one was in the vehicle.
At the same another police officer saw a vehicle with hazard lights flashing traveling at a high speed near the Schneider Regional Medical Center. The officer went to the hospital and spoke to a man who said he had just taken a gunshot victim to the hospital. The man told police he was in his home when he heard a noise; he went outside, saw the wounded victim and took him to the hospital for treatment.
According to the medical staff the victim had at least three wounds from gunfire – on his face and both upper arms.
Police did not release the 21-year-old victim’s name.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives are following up this case. Police are urging anyone who has any information on the shooting to call detectives at 1-340-714-9834 or 1-340-715-5522, or call the 911 center, or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-8477. Those with information also can text “USVI” plus the message to CRIMES or 274637.
