One man was shot by police during an aborted robbery attempt of the Radio Shack in Nisky Center Thursday night and later died of his wounds.

According to a statement from the V.I. Police Department, police were notified by 911 at approximately 8:50 p.m. Thursday that a robbery was in progress at the store. Police responded and were at the Radio Shack within minutes.

At least two suspects were seen inside the business, so police tried to surround the building to block all escape routes. The suspects managed to escape the building, but during the incident one of the suspects was shot. He was transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center via ambulance for treatment, where he died.

Police have not released the name of the slain suspect.According to police, he had a loaded .45-caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number at the time he was shot.

The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave with pay by Police Commissioner Novelle E. Francis, Jr. as per department procedures until the outcome of an internal investigation.

“Due to the rapid response of the officers to the area, the robbery, which could have easily turned in to a hostage situation with innocent people being seriously injured or worst, was disrupted thereby deterring further injury or trauma to those in the business,” said St. Thomas-St. John District Police Chief Rodney F. Querrard Sr.

Querrard is asking for anyone who may have been in the area of Nisky Center before, during or right after this incident, and who may have seen something, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to call the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-715-5522, 340-714-9803 or Major Crimes at 340-642-8449. They can also call the anonymous tip service Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477.