23-year-old charged with attempted murder in Richmond fire station shooting

SF. CROIX — A 23-year-old man, Darnley Petersen, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a reported shooting on Sept. 10, 2023, near the Richmond Fire Station in St. Croix, as confirmed by the VI Police Department.

According to VIPD, the 911 Emergency Call Center initially received calls about shots fired nearby, prompting an immediate police response. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male victim who reported that he had escaped injury after being hit by gunfire. The victim stated that he was walking by the fire station when he heard a car approach from behind. He said he saw a male suspect, later identified as Darnley Petersen, lean into the passenger side of the vehicle and fire several shots in his direction. The victim managed to escape to safety by running in the opposite direction.

The police department’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation took over the case and identified Petersen as the shooter, operating from the passenger seat, and Malyki Lockhart allegedly driving the vehicle. Investigators obtained a warrant for Petersen’s arrest on charges of attempted first-degree murder. His bail was later set at $1 million.

On May 30, 2024, authorities arrested Petersen at the Bureau of Corrections, where he was already being held on a separate charge. Following his latest arrest, he was charged with multiple counts including attempted murder, first and third degree assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of ammunition, first degree reckless endangerment I and discharging or aiming a firearm. .

Petersen was returned to the John Bell Correctional Facility, where he awaits his rights hearing.