A St. Thomas police officer suffered an unimaginable tragedy early Sunday morning when his three year-old son got hold of his service pistol and shot himself to death.
The shooting happened at the Loveland Apartment sometime around 7:30 a.m.
With a strained voice and a somber tone, St. Thomas/St. John Chief Rodney Querrard announced the boy’s death in a recorded message Sunday, Valentine’s Day, saying the boy died of a gunshot to his upper body and that the incident was under investigation.
The officer, the boy’s father, called the VIPD control center at 7:39 a.m. and asked for an ambulance, Querrard said.
“My supervisors, officers and I who responded to this tragic situation are feeling the pain and loss,” Querrard said.
“It is a very sad day for all,” he said. “Our condolences go out to all the family and friends of this little boy. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Querrard said the officer was placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an investigation on the orders of VIPD Commissioner Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
“This is standard protocol in any investigation involving a police officer,” Querrard said. “Commissioner Francis has apprised Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. about this tragedy.”
