Police Monday arrested a man who had been injured by gunshots while allegedly fleeing officers in the Michael J. Kirwin Terrace housing community, the V.I. Police Department reported.
Police provided this sequence of events.
Responding Friday to complaints from the community of people loitering, using and selling drugs in several known drug areas including Estate Anna’s Retreat, Ras Valley, Hospital Ground and Estate Nadir, members of the Special Operation Bureau conducted community policing operations. Once in the area, police would approach the loiterers and request that they vacate the area. Officers removed old chairs and tables and other items used by the loiterers.
Officers arrived in Kerwin Terrace about 5:30 p.m. and approached a group of men loitering. Several males began to run and were pursued by officers. One officer was pursuing two individuals when he saw one suspect pull a firearm from his waist and point it toward the officer. The officer discharged shots, striking the suspect in his right hand and foot. The second suspect also had a firearm which he tossed away from him.
Police confiscated both firearms and detained both suspects.
The firearms were sent to the VIPD Firearms Unit, where they will undergo ballistic and DNA testing. Police said one firearm has an obliterated serial number.
The injured man, 23-year-old Azamba Galloway, was treated at the Schneider Regional Medical Center and arrested at about 12:30 p.m. Monday.
Galloway was charged with first-degree assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment. His bail was set at $100,000 pending further court action.
Pursuant to the department policy the officer involved in the shooting is on administrative leave with pay, pending further investigation. Both the Criminal Investigation Bureau and the VIPD Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating this case.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the VIPD Major Crimes Unit at 1-340-642-8449, Internal Affairs Bureau at 1-340-774-2452, Emergency 911, or CrimeStoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the date of the incident and provide further information.