SF. CROIX – Emergency personnel from St. Croix were called to the rescue of a man early Friday morning following a violent attack that caused him to seek refuge in the sea.

According to the police report, the incident, which happened near Coconut on the Beach in Frederiksted, saw multiple emergency units respond after a report of a possible drowning.

Police Station VI received the call around 5:30 a.m. regarding a man in distress in the waters near the old Coconuts area. When police arrived at the scene, they met with a witness who said he heard cries for help coming from the beach, prompting them to investigate.

According to the witness, he found the victim in the water and managed to bring him to shore with the help of a surfboard. The victim reported to responders that he was attacked on the beach by an individual armed with a pipe, causing him to run into the sea to escape further injury.

In cross-examination, the victim detailed the events of the previous day, describing how she allowed a man to use her mobile phone near the Frederiksted health care facility. However, he said the man allegedly stole his phone and a confrontation ensued. According to the victim, the situation escalated the next morning when the same individual approached him again, this time with a gun.

The victim described a brutal attack in which he was repeatedly hit in the head, face and torso with a metal bar. The attacker, who the victim described as a thin man wearing beige shorts and possibly a blue shirt, allegedly threatened to kill him during the attack. In an attempt to defend herself, the victim used a stick to strike her attacker, but eventually ran into the water to escape further injury.

Emergency medical personnel at the scene reported visible injuries to the victim, noting what appeared to be red fluid on his forehead and leg. Complaints of pain in the rib and knee areas were also recorded. After initial treatment at the scene, the man was transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital for evaluation and further care.

Police have confirmed that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation has taken over the case and will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.