Sept. 3, 2001 – An off-duty St. Thomas police officer was shot in the arm Sunday night in what his superiors say may have been a case of being caught in a crossfire.
Law enforcement sources said Officer Kent Hodge suffered a gunshot wound to the arm during the incident around 9 p.m. near General Gade in the Savan area. Police Chief Jose Garcia and Deputy Chief Theodore Carty both said Sunday night that Hodge’s life was not in danger.
"He was treated and released from Schneider Hospital a few hours after the shooting," Garcia said late Sunday night. "We don’t believe he was targeted."
Rather, he added, it's believed Hodge "was caught up in the middle of the shootout."
Another person escaped what may have been a retaliation shooting in the incident, Garcia said. Police responded to the scene after receiving reports that two gunmen had opened fire on a white compact car. The driver of that vehicle later was interrogated by police.
Garcia said Hodge was driving his private vehicle when he was shot and subsequently drove himself to the hospital for treatment of the wound.
Garcia asked that anyone with information about the matter contact the police at 715-5522 or the emergency number 911.
