ST. CROIX — Separate shooting incidents in the Profit Hills Housing Community Monday night, also known as the Harvey Project, left one man dead and another injured, V.I.P.D. Director of Communications Glen Dratte has announced.

Mr. Dratte said that at about 8:48 p.m. Monday, an off-duty police officer reported hearing gunshots in Profit Hills, prompting him to make a check of the area. Upon arrival to the scene, the officer saw shell casings scattered on the ground along with blood, suggesting that someone may have been injured.

Also on the scene, a vehicle was found riddled with bullets from what Mr. Dratte told the Consortium appeared to be a high-powered rifle. He said the vehicle is being held for processing and as part of a police investigation.

Shortly after the off-duty officer arrived on the scene of the crime, Juan F. Luis Hospital security personnel reported that a gunshot victim was brought to the Emergency Room in a private vehicle at about 9:00 p.m. Then at 9:07 p.m., JFL detectives who were at the hospital reported that another gunshot victim had arrived for medical treatment, the V.I.P.D. said.

One of the victims, however, did not survive while the other was treated for his injuries and was listed as being in stable condition. 

The deceased victim was identified by next of kin as 23-year-old Andres Ponce Jr.

According to Mr. Dratte, a preliminary investigation revealed that shootings took place in two locations in the Harvey Project. He said the incidents are being investigated by the V.I.P.D.’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.

The police department is asking anyone with information about this fatal shooting to call CIB at 340-712-6082, the CIB Tip-Line at 340 778 4950, 911 or send an anonymous tip to Crime Stopper USVI here.

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