In Memoriam: Police Officer Ariel A. Frett

The Virgin Islands Police Department is mourning the loss of Police Officer Ariel A. Frett, a 25-year veteran of the department. Officer Frett was assigned to the St. Thomas/St. John district. He was slain in a shooting incident that occurred on Thursday, February 8, 2007 on the island of St. Thomas.

According to police reports, Frett was off-duty when he was involved in an altercation in the Hospital Ground area. Gunfire was exchanged during the altercation. Another off-duty VIPD officer who was in the area attempted to intercede. Three persons, including Officer Frett, were taken to the Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center for treatment of gunshot wounds sustained in the shooting. Officer Frett later succumbed to his injuries.

On Thursday, February 15, police arrested a 17-year-old minor in connection with his involvement in the shooting of Officer Frett. The minor was identified as the first person seen firing shots into the prone body of Officer Frett. The minor has been charged with Murder in the First Degree, Use of an Unlicensed firearm during the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Unauthorized Possession of Ammunition and Principle in an Assault in the Third Degree. On Monday, February 12, detectives of the Major Crime Unit arrested 24-year-old Jermaine Paris, also for his involvement in the Frett shooting.

Ariel A. Frett graduated from the Police Academy as a Police Officer on May 28, 1982. He served in various areas of the department to include the Street Crime Unit, Investigation Bureau, Communications Bureau, the Office of the Chief of Police and the Police Training Academy. He was last assigned to the Leander R. Jurgen Command. Officer Frett took pride in his service to the people of the Virgin Islands and received numerous letters of commendation and certificates for outstanding work in the line of duty. He was a three time recipient of the Morale Booster Certificate and also received an Honorable Service Award for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service to the Residents of the Virgin Islands.

A native of St. Thomas, Police Officer Frett is the father of six.