The V.I. Police Department arrested 65-year-old Michael Rhymer, of Estate Tutu, at 5:45 p.m. Monday and charged him with third-degree assault after a man was hospitalized with a gunshot wound.
According to police, detectives were dispatched to the Schneider Regional Medical Center Monday in reference to a gunshot victim. The victim, whose name was not released by police, told the detectives he was at the BreakTime Bar in the area of Market Square when he heard a verbal altercation outside the bar. The victim said that after a brief conversation with Rhymer about what happened outside, Rhymer shot him.
The victim was transported via ambulance to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries, and he was reported in stable condition.
Rhymer, who is a retired corrections officer, admitted to shooting the victim and surrendered his licensed firearm to officers. He was placed under arrest.
Police urged anyone with information about the incident to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5579 or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-8477.
