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Son of Constitutional Convention Delegate Killed by Police

Police shot and killed Kendall Petersen Jr., 30, son of Fifth V.I. Constitutional Convention Delegate Kendall "Seigo" Petersen early Thursday morning while executing a search warrant concerning two murder investigations on a Frederiksted home, according to the V.I. Police Department.

Six homes and five vehicles were subject to the warrants. Petersen was shot during a search of no. 59 Hospital Street, according to VIPD Public Information Officer Melody Rames.

According to a police statement, officers entered the Frederiksted residence at about 6:30 a.m. and began securing the inside of the home while other officers began securing the outside perimeter, including the back yard area; officers outside saw a man exiting the home carrying a firearm.

Police ordered the individual several times to stop; however, the individual ran around the corner of the building, doubled back, and began advancing toward the police officers, according to police. Officers again ordered him to stop. The individual continued advancing on officers. Police fired one shot, which hit the suspect in his upper body, according to police.

The victim, identified by police as Kendall Petersen Jr., was taken to Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital by ambulance for treatment. A semi-automatic hand gun was recovered from the rear of the building. A waist holster, which was located near the firearm, was also taken into police custody, as well as approximately three pounds of marijuana and a large amount of cash, which were located in the home. The gun and holster will undergo forensic testing.

Asked if Petersen had a handgun in his possession at the time he was shot, Rames said "all of that is under investigation."

Internal Affairs agents have launched a Use of Force Investigation into this shooting, in addition to the investigation conducted by the Investigation Bureau, which is standard procedure. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending further investigation into the shooting.

Police say the case remains active and open. Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives are following up on this case, including the investigation of the two murder cases.

The VIPD statement on the incident states "police regret this incident did not play out as intended due to an individual who failed to respond to commands given by officers."

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