April 5, 2007 — An armed robbery suspect shot by a VIPD officer early Thursday morning in the Market Square area on St. Thomas is reported to be in serious but guarded condition at Schneider Regional Medical Center, Police officials said Thursday evening.
According to Police spokeswoman Shawna Richards, the victim was a suspect in an attempted armed robbery that took place around 7 a.m. Thursday.
"An armed gunman attempted to rob someone earlier this morning. The officer that responded to the scene discharged several shots in an attempt to apprehend the suspect, who was wounded and taken to the hospital for treatment," Richards explained.
When contacted Thursday evening, Assistant Police Commissioner Novelle Francis said the suspect was shot after being involved in an altercation with the responding officer. While it is still unknown which party fired first, Francis said both the suspect and the officer discharged their weapons.
The officer involved in the shooting is currently on paid administrative leave pending the results of a VIPD Internal Affairs investigation, Francis added. In accordance with Police policies, the name of the officer cannot be released at this time.
During a brief telephone interview, Police Commissioner James H. McCall said the incident has been reported to the V.I. Attorney General's office.
The Source will continue to provide information on the incident as details become available.
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