St. Croix Police are investigating two separate armed robberies that occurred Wednesday. The first involved two armed suspects who stole a large amount of jewelry from a Christiansted store, and the second also involved two suspects with at least one gun, who robbed a store of cash in Estate Strawberry.
According to police, the first robbery occurred at approximately 11 a.m. at Johnny’s Jewelry in the United Shopping Plaza. Police said two suspects entered the store as a patron was exiting. The suspects allegedly pointed handguns at the employees and proceeded to fill two suitcases with jewelry.
The suspects were wearing brown overalls with the upper part tied around their waists, police said, and their faces were covered with brown t-shirts. Witnesses said that after leaving the store, the robbers fled in a charcoal colored Toyota Corolla.
A short time later, police were alerted to a fire on South Shore Road involving a blue Toyota Corolla that was on fire. Police are still investigating the fire to determine whether the car is connected to the robbery.
The second robbery occurred at about 2 p.m. at Parris Tees and Novelties in Estate Strawberry. Police said two suspects walked into the store and one asked to purchase an item. The female employee turned to retrieve the item, and upon turning around was faced with one of the suspects pointing a gun at her, demanding cash, which she gave.
Witnesses said the suspects fled the store on foot and ran in the direction of the Baron Spot Mall.
No one was injured in either robbery and police are still searching for the suspects. At this time, police do not believe that the two robberies were connected; however, the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information on these cases is asked to call detectives at 712-6077, 712-6037, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-TIPS.
