Four people – one adult male and three 17-year-olds – were treated for gunshot wounds at the Gov. Juan F. Luis Memorial Hospital after engaging in a shootout with police, the V.I. Police Department reported.
According to police, at 8:16 p.m., Friday, officers on patrol in downtown Frederiksted observed a white 2019 Kia Sportage reported stolen in a robbery on July 4. Officers attempted to approach the vehicle when the driver fled the area.
A pursuit ensued, and the driver of the stolen vehicle lost control, crashing the vehicle in Estate La Grange, according to the police report. The suspects exited the vehicle, opening fire on officers. Officers returned fire, striking all four male suspects.
The suspects – one 19 and three 17 years old, none of who were identified by the police report – were transported and treated at the hospital for injuries and gunshot wounds. Two of the minor suspects were treated and released to the custody of their parents, pending court proceedings. The other minor and adult male were admitted for further treatment.
Police said the case is a joint investigation by the Criminal Investigation and Youth Investigation Bureaus. Anyone with information about the case is urged to call 911, the Crime TipLine at 340-778-4950, or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS).
