UPDATE: Police are urgently investigating two separate incidents that shocked the U.S. Virgin Islands on October 15, 2023. An assault on St. Croix and a late-night shooting on St. Thomas have left local communities on high alert.
Early Sunday morning, authorities arrested a 31-year-old man, identified as Chavez Ali, for assaulting a family member in their home on St. Croix. The V.I. Police Department reported that the 911 Emergency Call Center received a distress call at approximately 5:39 a.m. from the victim, who claimed he was strangled and threatened by his son.
When police arrived, they found the victim in need of immediate medical attention. He was subsequently transported to Luis Hospital for treatment of visible injuries. According to police, the assault occurred the previous evening around 7:30 p.m., when Ali allegedly began acting erratically, resulting in a violent confrontation that left the victim unconscious.
Ali was located later at his residence and was taken into custody. He faces charges including second-degree assault (domestic violence), simple assault (domestic violence), and disturbance of the peace. He has since been booked and remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility as he awaits further legal proceedings.
In a separate incident late Sunday night, police responded to reports of a shooting in Simmonds Alley, St. Thomas. At approximately 10:08 p.m., officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. Emergency medical services rushed the victim to Schneider Regional Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
The circumstances surrounding this shooting remain unclear, and police are actively investigating the scene. Officials urge anyone with information to reach out to the Police Chief’s Office or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, extensions 5577 or 5578. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477.
The VIPD emphasizes its commitment to community safety and appreciates public assistance in bringing those responsible for these violent acts to justice. As these investigations unfold, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities continue to piece together the details of these alarming incidents.
