CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Police Commissioner Trevor A. Velinor is announcing the resignation of Ludrick Thomas from the position of St. Thomas-St. John Chief of Police.
Thomas, a 29-year veteran of the Department, turned in his resignation from the position on Monday, effective immediately.
Commissioner Velinor accepted Thomas’ resignation, thanked him for his willingness to serve, and said he appreciated his years of service.
The now former police chief will return to his prior position as a police sergeant.
St. Thomas Deputy Chief of Police Steven Phillip is designated Acting Chief of Police.
Thomas was under fire as St. Thomas-St. John chief of police due to multiple murders in Hospital Ground last month and the perception that violent crime was spiraling out of control in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
He joined Commissioner Velinor on the air of a local radio station to talk about the incidents on April 11.
LUDRICK THOMAS: Good afternoon, Mr. (Peter) Ottley and good afternoon to the people of the Virgin Islands. As the Commissioner pointed out, the department is engaged — and we’re on top of the situation — as, the best we can. I want to assure the community, especially the individuals that reside in the Hospital Ground area — all available manpower is being dispatched to this situation and to that particular area. You will see, or I’m sure you have seen from this morning, police manpower in the area. I want to thank the community for coming forward with information because you imagine that people are being worried and they are coming forward. And we thank them for coming forward. And we encourage individuals to come forward. We will spare no expense — and I want it to be made clear — in resolving the situation at Hospital Ground. What’s happening is not good. I am not fond of what’s happening. The department is not fond of what’s happening. The officers themselves are not fond of what’s happening and they are out there doing their best to ensure that whatever plan that we put in place to combat this situation or to be on top of this situation that is being done. And I also want to take the opportunity to publicly commend the officers, as I always do, in their part, for doing their part, to ensure the safety of this community and to ensure the safety of the people in the Hospital Ground area. So, at this time, we are open to any questions, or comments or suggestions that you might have.