Police officers on St. Thomas pursued and captured a suspect who they had seen firing shots early Sunday morning in a business area.
According to a Wednesday news release from the V.I. Police Department, the suspect was identified as 21-year-old Akeel Shawn Owens.
In the incident, a young man was stabbed near the entrance of the Emporium Night club and another was injured by gunshots. According to the report, the gunshot victim, a 19-year-old whose name was not released by police, was struck on the left side of his back. The bullet damaged the lumbar vertebrae, according to the physicians, and could affect the victim’s ability to walk.
Officers arrived on scene after they were notified of a stabbing early Sunday morning in the Fort Mylner Shopping Center. According to police, individuals were in the parking lot because they were exiting or entering the nightclub. The 23-year-old male victim told police that, at about 4:45 a.m., he had left the nightclub with his brother and was walking to his car when he saw a knife blade coming over his shoulder. He blocked the blade with his hand was stabbed two times on the right forearm. He was taken to the Roy Schneider Medical Center for treatment.
While getting information from the stabbing victim, the officer said he heard at least one shot being discharged and went in that direction toward the bridge. There he encountered a man who was the victim of gunshot injuries. The officer heard at least three more shots fired and saw a man standing near Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant holding a gun and shooting.
The officer called for additional backup and gave chase. According to the report, the suspect ran through the restaurant drive-through and fired two more shots. The officer continued to pursue the suspect. Another officer joined the chase and the suspect was seen running on Weymouth Rhymer Highway. Both officers repeatedly yelled at the suspect to stop.
The allegedly suspect doubled back and ran toward Banco Popular, where he ducked behind a parked car and attempted to take off one of the shirts he was wearing. However, when spotted by the officers, the suspect allegedly resumed running and was apprehended and taken into custody by the officers.
Police recovered a loaded .40 caliber Glock firearm in the vicinity of where the suspect was captured. Owens was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, unlawful possession of ammunition, reckless endangerment, illegal discharge of a firearm, interfering with an officer during the discharge of his duties and disturbing the peace.
His bail was set at $25,000 and he was remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections pending further court action.
Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives continue to investigate the case and urged anyone who was in the area at the time or who knows anything about the case to at 1-340-714-9834 or 1-340-715-5522. They can also call the 911 emergency call center or the anonymous tip service, Crimes Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-8477.
