St. Thomas detectives are actively investigating the shooting death of a burglar who broke into a Smith Bay home Thursday and was shot and killed.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday to a burglary and shooting at a private residence. Police and emergency medical technicians arrived on the scene and saw an unresponsive male inside the home wearing a mask over his face and gloves on his hands. The man, who was later pronounced dead, had at least one gunshot wound to the body.
A preliminary investigation determined that the suspect broke into the home through a rear window. The suspect was masked, had on gloves, and was armed with gun, according to a V.I. Police Department news release. The burglar then confronted several occupants in the home and demanded that they give him money. During the confrontation, the suspect was shot by one of the occupants, who owned a gun.
Police have not released the name of the adult male suspect.
Detectives and technicians from VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, Intelligence Unit, and Major Crimes and Forensic divisions processed the scene. Guns belonging to the home owner and burglar were confiscated.
VIPD officials are asking residents to be careful during the holiday season and to take every precaution necessary to ensure their homes are safe.
Anyone with any information regarding this case is urged to contact detectives at 715-5534, 715-5545, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.
