SF. CROIX – A man suffered a serious gunshot wound to the head during an early morning shooting near the Watergut Shanty in Christiansted, according to a release from the Virgin Islands Police Department.

The incident occurred on Sunday, Nov. 17 at approximately 2:50 a.m. when VIPD’s 911 emergency call center received a notification from ShotSpotter reporting a single round being discharged in the vicinity of West Lane near the Watergut Shanty.

Upon arrival at the scene, responding officers found a male victim lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency Medical Services were dispatched and the victim was immediately transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment.

Due to the critical nature of his injuries, arrangements were made to airlift the victim to the continental US for advanced medical care.

The incident remains under active investigation and VIPD is urging anyone with information to come forward. Members of the public can contact the Tipline Bureau of Criminal Investigation at (340) 778-4950, report anonymously through Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online Hereor call 911 to provide details that may help the investigation.