FREDERIKSTED — Two St. Croix men are wanted by police for an attempted kidnapping of an underage girl in Estate Hannah’s Rest on Thursday, authorities said.
The official police report said the victim, who is a minor, was forced in to a white van by two males wearing ski masks “but managed to escape her attackers,” the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of an attempted kidnapping in Estate Hannah’s Rest at 6:53 p.m. Thursday, according to the VIPD.
This case is currently under active investigation.
If anyone has information that can resolve this incident, please call 911, the Crime Tip Line at (340) 778-4950, or the paying anonymous tip line Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS.
The VIPD is aware of information being circulated on social media about this and other apparent incidents. Members of the community can help police and themselves by following these steps to prevent being a victim:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid being distracted by your phone, and do not use headphones or earbuds until you are at your destination.
- Do not accept rides from strangers. Once you get into a stranger’s car, you are at their mercy. They could either incapacitate you or hold you hostage and you might not have an opportunity to defend yourself.
- Trust your instincts. If things do not feel right, trust your gut and seek help.