Dec. 27, 2007 — A St. Croix youth was in critical condition Wednesday after being stabbed in the neck during an altercation at the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack. Another minor was arrested and charged with the assault.
Police arrested the 17-year-old minor within an hour of the fight, which happened shortly after 6 p.m. at the racetrack. The suspect was expected to be remanded to the Youth Rehabilitation Center in Estate Anna's Hope according to a statement from police late Wednesday.
The victim, who received a three-inch laceration to the throat area, underwent emergency surgery at Juan F. Luis Hospital. The minors' names have not been released by police.
The fight broke out at the end of 11 horse races and ahead of a scheduled three-band concert at the same location. St. Croix Police Chief Thomas Hannah said the fight may have stemmed from an ongoing feud between young people from two areas of the island.
Hannah said the VIPD will continue its zero-tolerance policy on violent crime offenders. "Those who insist on perpetrating violent crimes to settle their differences will be dealt with accordingly," he said. "While it is almost impossible to prevent such fights from occurring, V.I.P.D. stands ready to ensure that those who engage in violent acts will be brought to justice swiftly."
Hannah credited increased police presence at the racetrack with defusing the fight, and identifying and subsequently arresting the suspect.
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