Gas Station Owner By Former Police Commissioner Robbed At Gunpoint

Gas Station Owner By Former Police Commissioner Robbed At Gunpoint

CHRISTIANSTED — A gas station in La Grande Princesse owned by the former police commissioner was robbed at gunpoint on Wednesday night, authorities said.

Two masked, armed men demanded money from the cashier and a customer of One Love Service Station at 8:32 p.m. Wednesday, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

The victims told police that “two slim Black males, masked and armed, entered the establishment” and announced the robbery, according to the VIPD.

“Both suspects fled the area on foot with approximately $100 in cash,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.

No one was reported injured during the incident.

The gas station is owned by Senator Novelle Francis and his brother. It is next door to the St. Croix Avis newspaper building in Estate La Grande Princesse on the North Shore Road.

Francis, a former Senate President, is also the territory’s former police commisioner.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Naomi Joseph, commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, suggested that St. Croix business owners invest in “bulletproof cashier booths” to protect their establishments.

“It’s probably not a good idea to be in your car counting money,” she said. “People with bad intentions will see that and use that opportunity to make you a victim.”

Anyone with information about the armed robbery is asked to call 911, the Crime Tip Line at (340) 778-4950, or Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-8477 or online at p3tips.com.

The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov.