Friday’s shootout in the parking lot of Sunny Isle Shopping Center has law enforcement officials considering starting an "anti-crime initiative" on St. Croix.
Two bystanders – a 12-year-old girl and a 55-year-old man — and one man suspected to be involved in the shooting were wounded Friday afternoon when individuals in two vehicles opened fire in a rolling shootout in front of Kmart. The condition of the two wounded bystanders was not life threatening, said Deputy Police Chief Novelle Francis.
One of the wounded adult males police believe to have been involved in the shooting, Eddie Martinez, was later taken into custody at Juan F. Luis Hospital, about a block away from the shopping center.
Saturday afternoon, Francis said Martinez was still hospitalized but had yet to be charged in the shooting pending further investigation. Francis said he didn't know Martinez's age.
"He’s very uncooperative at this point, of course," Francis said. "He’s not going anywhere and we haven’t charged him with anything yet."
Police officials believe Friday’s incident is related to a series of past shootings, one of which resulted in the murder of Angel Felix, 26, of the Ralph de Chabert housing community. A week later a drive by shooting occurred in the John F. Kennedy community in which Martinez and two others, including a six-year-old boy, were wounded.
Because of Friday’s shooting, Francis said he spoke with Police Commissioner Franz Christian on Saturday about stepping up efforts to crack down on heinous, premeditated violence. Francis, however, stopped short of saying the payback shootings were done by gangs.
"We’re very perturbed that these guys had wanton disregard for life and property," Francis said. "In fact, Commissioner Christian and I spoke about starting an anti-crime initiative.
"Just judging from the rivalry groups out there, we have to do something about that."
Meanwhile, Francis said police are looking for a small green pick-up truck and a gray Jeep Cherokee that was occupied by two black males. Anyone with information are urged to call the police at 778-2211 or 911. Those with information can remain anonymous.
