Man In Chain Reaction Accident Says He Doesn’t Know Who Fired Shots At Him

CHARLOTTE AMALIE – A disorderly man who caused an accident with two other vehicles in St. Thomas claimed he was struck by gunfire prior to the three-car collision.

The victim/perpetrator of the accident was not identified by the Virgin Islands Police Department.

The unsolved case began at 1:41 p.m. Monday, when the Patrol Division, Traffic Bureau and Criminal Investigation Bureau all converged on Anna’s Retreat to investigate an auto collision and “assault incident,” according to the VIPD.

“The victim told detectives that while driving his girlfriend’s vehicle, he was struck when shots were fired.” VIPD spokeswoman Kishma Chichester said. “In an attempt to avoid further injury, he sped off, however collided with two vehicles at the intersection.”

The victim stated he did not know who fired shots at him, according to CHichester.

Police did not indicate if the mystery driver was tested for impaired driving after the “accident.”

Persons with information about this incident are encouraged to call 911, the Criminal
Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, or directly contact Brian Bedminster at 340-774-
2211 ext. 5577. Additionally, tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477.

John F. McCarthy is a veteran journalist in the Caribbean, writing from the "Decision Space" where survival meets the surreal. His reporting steel was tempered by a lineage of legendary editors and broadcasters, including Ed Wynn Brant (The Bomb), Owen Eschenroder (Ann Arbor News), Lynelle Emanuel (BVI Beacon), and Charles Thanas (WSVI-TV). Alongside longtime colleague Kenneth C. "Casey" Clark, McCarthy has navigated the front lines of the territory’s history—from the 1997 volcanic "snow" to every major hurricane since Hugo. Known for leaning out of doorless helicopters to capture the "money shot," McCarthy now edits the V.I. Free Press, providing the essential link between the island's colonial past and its SpaceX future.