How “Wanted” Man Escaped From Custody

A.J. Pike

St. Croix - In the immediate aftermath of the July 26, 2026, pre-dawn, murder of Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Officer Eustace Charles, VIPD Officers were dispatched by the VITEMA 911 Emergency Call Center on July 26, 2026, at around 6:46 am, to investigate a reported discharging of shots in an incident in the Richmond area, St. Croix. 

But before VIPD eventually issued a “Wanted” Escapee BOLO (that included an armed and dangerous warning) for 29-year old Samuel “Pilie” Rivera Jr., and arrested and charged him with Escape from Custody, Reckless Endangerment First, and Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm, Mr. Rivera had other plans for his early morning dealings with the VIPD.

Upon the Officers’ arrival near the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Richmond, they observed two males, both apparently had guns. Despite the verbal commands from the Officers to drop their weapons, one male entered a Richmond residence, where he was suspected of concealing a firearm that Officers reported observing. The male, identified as Samuel Rivera Jr., was quickly detained while Officers secured a telephonic warrant to search the residence. Upon obtaining authorization from the Court, VIPD Officers conducted a search of the premises and recovered the firearm along with shell casings. 

After being transported to the Ancilmo D. Marshall Command Police Station, Mr. Rivera complained of chest pains. He was subsequently transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for medical evaluation. While leaving the hospital, Mr. Rivera escaped from custody, apparently still in handcuffs and barefoot.

Samuel Rivera subsequently decided it best to turn himself into the Ancilmo Police Station. He was then transported to Wilbur H. Francis Command where he was processed and booked. Bail was set at $30,000 as per chart. He was remanded into custody at John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing.