CHRISTIANSTED — The hired security officer at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center was robbed at gunpoint at his guard post on Thursday night, authorities said.
Officers were dispatched to the Sunny Isle Shopping Center regarding an armed robbery at 10:10 p.m. Thursday, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
Detectives made contact with the victim, a Ranger American security guard, who stated while on duty at his post, he was approached by a Black male with a black handgun who demanded his belongings, according to the VIPD.
“The victim handed over the keys for his car and his mobile phone, and the suspect fled on foot,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.” Detectives located the car keys at the scene.”
The suspect was described as wearing a black shirt, khaki pants with a white belt, and a black ski mask, Derima said.
“Now you see the mess,” Avis Ronan said on Facebook today. “I bet ahyu that the security guard was not armed. Time out for these company putting RENT-A-COPS lives in danger. Train and armed these people mehn.Security need to feel secure too. Especially now since these thugs are getting more brazen.”
Police are asking for the community’s help in locating the gunman.
Detectives urge anyone with information about this incident or others to call 911, the Crime Tip Line at (340) 778-4950 or the paying anonymous tip line Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-8477.