The man shot and killed by police last Thursday during an aborted robbery attempt of the Radio Shack in Nisky Center on St. Thomas has been identified as 20-year-old Viggo R. Niles Jr. of St. Thomas.
Niles died from his wounds shortly after being transported from the scene to Schneider Regional Medical Center for treatment. The officers involved in the shooting have been put on paid administrative leave, as per VIPD procedure, until an internal police investigation into the incident is finished.
According to a recent VIPD statement, police were notified by 911 at approximately 8:50 p.m. last 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, and Niles was shot as he tried to get away, according to the statement.
The other suspect is still at large, according to District Police Chief Rodney Querrard Sr.
Residents with any information on this or any other crime are urged to call VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau at 715-5522, the Major Crime Bureau at 642-8449 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-8477.