UPDATE: Authorities have launched urgent investigations into two violent incidents reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including a serious assault on St. Croix and a shooting on St. Thomas that left one man hospitalized.
The first incident occurred early Sunday morning, October 15, 2023, at approximately 5:39 a.m., when the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) received a distress call from a victim who claimed that his son, Chavez Ali, had assaulted and strangled him at their home. Officers quickly responded and transported the victim to Luis Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
According to police reports, the violent altercation took place the night prior, around 7:30 p.m., when Ali began “cursing, ranting, and acting erratically,” ultimately assaulting the victim to the point of unconsciousness. Following the incident, police arrested the 31-year-old Ali at his residence on charges of second-degree assault (domestic violence), simple assault (domestic violence), and disturbance of the peace. He has since been remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending a hearing.
In a separate incident, police are investigating a shooting that occurred late Sunday night on St. Thomas. At about 10:08 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to Simmonds Alley after receiving reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they found a man suffering from a single gunshot wound to the face. Emergency medical services rushed the victim to Schneider Regional Medical Center for immediate evaluation and treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear as police continue their investigation. VIPD urges anyone with information to contact 911 or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, extensions 5577 or 5578. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477.
Officials emphasize their commitment to community safety and urge public cooperation in bringing those responsible for these violent acts to justice. As investigations develop, updates will follow.
