Police arrested two more young men Tuesday and Wednesday related to the brazen and nearly-deadly midday robbery of a Cruz Bay jewelry store just more than a year ago.
Shane Paris-Creque, 21, and Shaun Dogue, Jr., 19, surrendered to police in St. John after warrants were issued for their arrests Friday, police said. Both were charged with attempted murder, robbery in the first degree, third-degree assault, grand larceny, simple assault, and other crimes for their alleged role in the May 2023 robbery. Unable to post $250,000 bail, they were turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advice of rights hearing.
The robbery rocked normally sedate Cruz Bay.
According to the V.I. Police Department, just before 2 p.m., May 18, 2023, two men entered the store, shot the owner in the face, and later left with an unknown amount of jewelry. The victim was later transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Police called the robbery cowardly and asked for assistance finding the perpetrators.
The early afternoon robbery took place as tourists roamed the popular shopping area and as St. John graduates from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas were enjoying a mini parade nearby. Local merchants were outraged.
In April, police arrested 21-year-old Jamari Gumbs in relation to the robbery and attempted murder. Gumbs did not surrender like Paris-Creque and Dogue but defied officers’ orders, they said. Police eventually wrestled Gumbs into submission and took him to the police station, along with his backpack. When officers inspected the bag, they reportedly found a handgun and several rounds of ammunition.
