July 17, 2008 — Bank of St. Croix in Peter's Rest was robbed at noon Wednesday by a lone gunman. A person of interest was picked up late Wednesday night for questioning but as of last night no arrests had been made.
At 11:59 a.m. an alarm was activated and police were alerted of a robbery in progress, V.I. Police Department Public Information Officer Melody Rames said. According to initial police reports, the lone gunman entered the bank, herded employees, patrons and the security guard into one corner, demanded money from the tellers and then additional cash from the vault.
The gunman then robbed patrons and workers of their personal cash and jewelry.
"Witnesses said he was apologizing as he did it," Rames said.
He took the car keys of one of the patrons, stole the car and drove a short distance, then abandoned the vehicle.
As of last night, police have been following all leads. The V.I. Police Department K-9 Unit, Investigations and Special Operations were all on the scene, along with acting St. Croix Police Chief Oakland Benta and Deputy Chief Raphael Bramble. Because it was a bank robbery, the FBI was there as well, working together with local police, Rames said.
Police picked up the vehicle abandoned by the robber and forensic officers have been processing the vehicle for clues. Forensic evidence from the vehicle and the information gathered at the scene led to a person being picked up for questioning late Wednesday night, Rames said.
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