FREDERIKSTED — Tips from the community led to the arrest of a 39-year-old attempted murder suspect on St. Croix Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Members of the Criminal Investigation and Special Operation Bureaus converged on Rusiel “Romeo” Encarnacion at his home in Estate Whim about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Encarnacion was taken by police without incident, according to the VIPD. He was charged with first-degree attempted murder, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, discharging or aiming a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment and unauthorized possession of ammunition.
Encarnacion has a long criminal history and was recently released from Golden Grove prison, known formally as the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility.
Police executed several search warrants Saturday related to the February 20 shooting of an occupied home in Estate Whim. They found a 40-caliber “ghost” gun in Encarnacion’s girlfriend’s vehicle.
The girlfriend, identified as Alba Osorio Lopez, 38, was arrested and charged at the time with carrying a firearm openly or concealed and possession of ammunition.
Encarnacion’s bail was set at $500,000.00. Unable to post bail he was remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility.
Encarnacion will be formally advised of his rights today in Superior Court.
“We thank the community, as you continue to work with us; As we continue to work you.,” St. Croix Deputy Chief Liston Cornelius said.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 911, 340-712-6037, or the anonymous tip service, Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-8477.