CHARLOTTE AMALIE — An Anna’s Retreat man was arrested by police Tuesday afternoon and charged in a non-fatal shooting that took place near a clothing store in the early morning hours in downtown, authorities said.
Police were dispatched about 2:41 a.m. Tuesday to Krondprindsens Gade, in the vicinity of the Department of Labor, in reference to shots being fired and hearing an unknown individual screaming in the area, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Officers arrived at the area and found a gunshot victim on the stairway in the area of Kenia’s Fashion.
The victim stated that he was walking westward in the area when a black male, who he knows, approached and told him that he had ten seconds to get out of the area, according to the VIPD.
“The suspect reached for his waist and pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun and pointed it at him,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said. “The victim continued that as he turned around to leave the area, the suspect fired several shots at him.”
The victim then stated that he ran towards a residence where his family resides and observed that he was shot multiple times, police said.
The victim was transported via ambulance to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital where he was treated for his gunshot wounds.
Police detectives arrested Maulique J. Caines, 24, of Anna’s Retreat about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday and charged him with third-degree assault after he was positively identified as the individual who shot the victim, according to the VIPD.
Bail for Caines was set at $25,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the custody of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections pending an advice- of-rights hearing.
St. Thomas / St. John Chief of Police Ludrick Thomas praised officers for the quick arrest in this case.
“I wish to commend the officers and detectives in this particular case, especially since this arrest was made within 24 hours,” Thomas said. “This is a prime example of what happens when the police and the community work hand-in-hand. If you see something, say something; if you hear something, say something; and if you know something, say something. Together, we can bring closure to a number of ongoing incidents.”
This case is currently under active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB).
Any persons having information regarding this incident are asked to call 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 extension 5579, or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS.