FREDERIKSTED — The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking in Estate Paradise where shots were fired during the incident, authorities said.
The 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to Paradise Mills in reference to a discharging of shots and a possible carjacking about 10:11 p.m. Thursday, the VIPD said.
“The male victim of this incident reported that he was driving east on the Melvin Evans Highway when he noticed that he was being followed. He got off the highway and went to Paradise Mills to seek assistance from a friend,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said. “Once in the apartment complex, the victim was approached by two unknown males who were both armed. One suspect pulled the victim out of his vehicle, took his mobile phone, struck him in his head with the firearm.”
The suspect then discharged several shots at the victim as he left the area in the victim’s vehicle, a red 2010 Toyota Yaris, according to Derima. The victim then went to his friend’s home, where he called 911. The victim was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital Emergency Room via ambulance, where he was treated for lacerations from the assault and released.
The first suspect was described as having a light complexion, wearing a white shirt with a black mask. The second suspect was described as a Black male, wearing a black shirt with a black mask.
Detectives urge anyone who saw what happened to contact them with their information by calling 911, the Crime TipLine at (340) 778-4950, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS. Remember, if you see something, say something.