Updated: Monday, Aug. 20 at 1:45 PM

Above: St Croix

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Christopher Howell, the police chief of St Croix in the US Virgin Islands and police officer Elsworth Jones were shot Saturday night while pursuing suspects in an armed robbery on the island, the department announced.

The two suffered “non life-threatening injuries.”

Police Commissioner Henry White, Jr reported that both officers were in stable condition and receiving further treatment in St Croix.

“St Croix Police Chief Christopher Howell and Police Officer Elsworth Jones are presently recovering from their injuries, but may require additional surgery,” White said in a statement.

Howell was shot in the left arm and lower back, and Jones’ face was injured by shrapnel and gunfire, according to the Commissioner.

The two officers were pursuing suspects in what was described as an armed robbery of a Cane Bay restaurant.

The gunfire came at a roadblock set up by the two officers near the Mon Bijou community. The two officers came upon two men meeting the description of the suspects.

St Croix Police Chief Christopher Howell (Photo: VIPD)

“I express my deep appreciation to both Chief Howell and Officer Jones for the work they and so many VIPD officers do on the front lines every day,” Governor John de Jongh said in a statement. “It is clearly unfortunate when officers, on the front line of defending our community, become victims.”

Officials are continuing the search for the suspects.