V.I. Police arrested three men early Monday morning and charged them in connection with a shots-fired incident at the Crucian Christmas Festival Village in Frederiksted, the police reported Tuesday.
One of the suspects had a gunshot wound to his leg and was given medical treatment, according to police, who were already on the scene when they received the call from the 911 emergency dispatcher. Witnessed told the officers the suspects fled in a red vehicle and an all-points bulletin was issued.
A detective spotted a vehicle fitting the description headed east on the Melvin Evans Highway, alerted 911 and gave chase. Officers converged on the vehicle near Estate Profit in an attempt to block its progress.
Officers said they observed several items being tossed from the vehicle before it evaded capture. The vehicle was eventually detained near Estate Hope on the highway and the three people in it were arrested at about 5:30 a.m.
Police recovered two semi-automatic weapons in the area where items were thrown from the car.
The three men arrested were Julian Vera Jr., 20, of Estate Strawberry; Adrian “Sampa” Gerard, 23, of JFK housing community; and Adowa Fleming, 20, of Estate Catherine’s Rest.
Vera had a gunshot wound to his leg, was treated at the Juan F. Luis Memorial Hospital and released.
A female bystander was also shot in her leg, treated and released. Gunfire damaged several vehicles parked in the area.
The suspects were charged with third-degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Each was placed on $25,000 bail and remanded to custody.
Police said the three suspects exchanged gunfire with several other people, who the department is actively seeking. Detectives said they have information that the shooting was in retaliation for a previous altercation between the two groups.
Acting Police Chief James Parris condemned the shooting, which could have had more serious consequences considering the number of people in the area.
“The VIPD will not tolerate violent acts in the Festival Village, the J’Ouvert or anywhere else,” he said.
Festival Organization President Davidson Charlemange praised the police for the swift capture of the suspects and decried the violence that erupted at the event.
“The 60th anniversary celebration is a chance to show our island to the world and cannot be jeopardized by a few criminals," Charlemange said. "The celebrations have been going on for almost a month with thousands of people attending each event. This is the first violent incident and I want it to be the last. This is a time for celebration, not retaliation."
