Violent Beach Attack Man St. Forced to Take Refuge in the Waters of St. Croix

ST. CROIX—St. Emergency responders on St. Croix were called early Friday morning to rescue a man who had taken refuge at sea following a violent attack.

According to the police report, several emergency units responded to the incident, which took place near Coconut on the Beach in Frederiksted, upon reports of a possible drowning.

The VI Police Department received a call around 5:30 a.m. regarding a man in distress in the waters near the old Coconuts area. When police teams arrived at the scene, they encountered an eyewitness who stated that he heard screams for help coming from the beach area and launched an investigation into the incident.

According to the witness, he found the victim in the water and managed to get him ashore using a surfboard. The victim reported to responders that he was attacked by a person with a pipe on the beach and fled into the sea to avoid further harm.

After questioning, the victim detailed the events of the previous day, describing how he allowed a man to use his mobile phone near the Frederiksted Health Facility. However, he allegedly stole the man’s phone and a conflict broke out. According to the victim’s statement, the situation escalated further the next morning when the same person approached him with a gun.

The victim described a brutal attack in which he was repeatedly struck on the head, face and torso with a metal rebar. The attacker, whom the victim described as a thin man wearing beige shorts and possibly a blue shirt, reportedly threatened to kill her during the attack. Wanting to defend himself, the victim attacked the attacker with a stick, but ran into the water to avoid further harm.

Emergency medical personnel at the scene reported visible wounds, stating that a red liquid was found on the victim’s forehead and leg. Complaints of pain in the rib and knee areas were also recorded. Following initial treatment at the scene, the man was transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital for further evaluation and care.

Police confirmed the Criminal Investigation Bureau has taken over the incident and will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.