St. Croix Police investigating a shooting incident that occurred Monday discovered marijuana plants, a sawed-off automatic shotgun, and malnourished dogs at a residence, the V.I. Police Department announced Tuesday morning.
The shooting was reported around 1:30 p.m. Monday in La Grande Princess near the vicinity of Elena Christian Junior High School. According to police, officers traveling to the scene were notified by 911 Central Dispatch of a white van leaving the area. When officers arrived, they canvassed the area and found the vehicle, with several bullet holes, parked near a private residence about a half a mile from the scene.
K-9 officers were called to track possible suspects.
While at the residence, officers saw several shell casings on the ground. When they knocked on the door, no one answered and they entered the house fearing someone may have been injured. But no one was found.
While inside police discovered the sawed-off shotgun and immediately cordoned off the area around the house and obtained a telephonic search warrant.
As they searched the house, police found several shell casings, about 100 marijuana plants, and two malnourished dogs that were sent to the Animal Shelter.
Deputy Chief Christopher Howell was present at both scenes and commended officers for their work in cordoning the scenes and collecting crucial evidence. Howell also said since the shooting happened near an elementary school, those responsible will face additional charges.
Police continue to investigate this case. Anyone with information on this case can call Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives at 712-6075, 712-6077, 712-6037, or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-TIPS.
