St. Croix, USVI - One adult male and adult female gunshot victims were transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital in private vehicles after being shot while at Frontline Bar and Restaurant on Monday, September 25, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Investigation into this matter revealed that the male victim was involved in a verbal altercation that quickly turned physical. During the physical altercation, Deray Smithen drew a firearm and immediately began firing at the victim, striking him five times. The male victim is in serious condition and must undergo surgery.

Deray Smithen

The female victim was treated for her injuries and released.

Mr. Smithen was positively identified by multiple individuals and on surveillance video footage as the shooter.

On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Deray Smithen was apprehended at the Cyril E. King Airport while trying to board a flight to the mainland. He was flagged by NCIC by Customs and Border Protection. Smithen, age 35 is now in VIPD’s custody.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call 911, Criminal Investigation Bureau Tip Line at (340) 778-4850 or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

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All individuals listed as arrested or charged with a crime in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.