USVI: OVER 82 SHOTS FIRED IN LA GRANDE PRINCESSE THURSDAY NIGHT, LEAVING ONE MAN INJURED

VI CONSORTIUM

ST. CROIX — Residents in La Grande Princesse were stunned by loud bursts of gunshots that rattled the area just after 9:00 p.m. Thursday, leaving one man injured and a vehicle destroyed by bullets.

The incident occurred on the corner between the Titan Gas Station and new business “Wa U Feel Like”, where detectives were on the scene well into the night conducting an investigation. At least 82 shell casings were recovered from the scene, confirming what was described as a loud, persistent burst of gunshots that worried residents of the mostly quiet area.

One of two men in a red Jeep Wrangler truck was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital after sustaining at least two gunshot wounds. The other man was arrested for violating probation.

Curious community members and passersby looked on as officers performed their investigation with both sides of the road cordoned off. The detectives collected shell casings and performed other investigatory work following the shooting. The Jeep Wrangler truck was expected to be towed by police to be secured as evidence.

Police spokesman Toby Derima, who was on the scene of the incident, told a Consortium reporter that a release would be forthcoming Friday morning.

The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information about this incident to provide an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers USVI here.