Gunshots rang out early Sunday in a parking lot near Gertrude’s Restaurant on Hess Road, leaving one man dead, two injured and two teenage suspects under arrest.
Police on St. Croix were called to scene of a shooting at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The shooting happened in a parking lot across the street from Gertrude’s, where a dance was being held.
According to the initial report, three men were in a vehicle in the parking lot when three other young men opened fire on them All three victims sustained gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims managed to flee the area. They were taken to the Juan F. Luis Hospital by private vehicle for treatment. The third victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance and died later while receiving treatment.
The dead man has been identified as 25-year-old Almonzo Williams of Estate Mon Bijou. The other gunshot victims were identified as a 26-year-old male from Barren Spot and a 19-year-old who lives in the JFK housing community.
Police arriving on the scene gave chase to a vehicle seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Subsequent calls to 911 from concerned citizens told police to look out for that vehicle.
The chase ended in the Christiansted area. Two firearms found inside the vehicle were confiscated and will be tested to determine if they have been used in a crime.
The two occupants of the vehicle, a 16-year-old who lives in Baron Spot and a 17-year-old who lives in JFK were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms.
Police said both minors are presently on “conditions of release” from the courts for previous criminal charges and authorities will investigate if those conditions have been violated.
Acting Commissioner Novelle E. Francis Jr. said Sunday that criminals are attending large gatherings such as dances to get revenge on their enemies.
“Again we see where the criminal element are using these large gatherings to seek revenge on their adversaries with no regard for the innocent people whose safety may be endangered,” Commissioner Francis said.
The Commissioner urged event promoters to be aware of the need to hire additional security at these events and contact police to schedule increased patrols in the area.
Anyone having information on these shootings can call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-712-6077 or 340-712-6037 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.