Feb. 10, 2008 — Police on St. Croix arrested Phillip Christian, 22, of no fixed address, on Friday after conducting surveillance on his vehicle based on a tip from a concerned citizen.
Christian allegedly had a double-barrel shotgun and a large hunting knife in his possession when arrested. He was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Police staked out Christian’s vehicle, a blue Chevy Blazer, in the parking lot of the Juan F. Luis Hospital where he works in housekeeping. Detective Arthur Hector of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Cpl. Eustace Cornelius of the Street Enforcement Team along with Officer Terrence Parris and Officer Franchete Hodge kept an eye on the vehicle for several hours before Christian emerged from the hospital.
Police observed Christian coming toward the vehicle with a hunting knife in his hand. He was ordered to drop the knife, and officers noticed the shotgun under Christian’s clothing. He was ordered to the ground and arrested.
Investigators believe Christian may be connected to some recent robberies, but they are still investigating all leads.
Police Commissioner James H. McCall commended the officers who took another suspected criminal off the streets.
"The suspect was armed with weapons which were probably used to terrorize our residents and visitors," McCall said. "I commend these officers for their prompt response to the tip and for subduing the suspect without incident. Good job."
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