One of two suspects in an early Friday morning robbery on St. John is hospitalized with gunshot injuries after a victim returned gunfire during an incident at Paul’s in Cruz Bay.

St. John Deputy Police Chief Darren Foy said late Friday afternoon that five men were in a gambling game at the watering hole when two suspects dressed in black pants, white tee shirts and black rags over their faces stormed the game and ordered the five men to hand over the cash. “After getting the cash, the suspects grabbed a gold chain from one of the victims’ neck before opening gunfire on one of the victims. The injured victim suffered gunshot wounds to the head, back and right side of the body. Additionally, Foy said, one of the robbery victims drew his licensed firearm and returned fire striking one of the suspects in the buttocks, groin and chest. Both gunshot victims are hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center undergoing treatment.

“The perpetrator of the robbery who is now hospitalized is considered by police as a person of interest and is under guard at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.” Foy said as soon as the suspect can be interrogated by detectives of the VIPD, he will likely be arrested and charged in the robbery and shooting.

The robbery victim who was subsequently shot is also receiving medical treatment at Schneider Regional and as of late Friday was also admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Foy said an investigation is being pursued by the Criminal Investigation Bureau and anyone with additional information should contact Detective Kent Hodge on St. John at 693-8880 or detectives on St. Thomas at 715-5554 or 715-5579.