St. Croix Man Charged After Allegedly Striking Officer With Metal Crutch at Bank

ST. CROIX — A St. Croix man is facing multiple assault-related charges after police say he struck an officer in the face with a metal crutch during a disturbance at a bank on Monday afternoon. The incident left the officer injured and resulted in the defendant being taken into custody following medical evaluation.

According to police, Warren Freeman was at Oriental Bank when he began causing a disturbance, prompting officers to respond and assist in removing him from the premises.

Officers reportedly instructed Freeman several times to leave the area, but he ignored their commands. Seated in a wheelchair, he continued shouting and using profanities while officers attempted to manage the situation.

Police say that while one officer turned to speak with the branch manager, Freeman stood up from the wheelchair and swung a metal crutch at the officer’s head, striking the left side of his face.

The officer, who reportedly suffered a deep laceration and was bleeding, responded by striking Freeman multiple times with a baton until he dropped the crutch. Freeman was then handcuffed and transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital for evaluation. The injured officer was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

After being medically cleared, Freeman was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and battery, third-degree assault, interfering with an officer performing his duties, and disturbance of the peace. Unable to post bail, he was remanded into custody.

On Tuesday morning, Magistrate Yolan Brow Ross continued the customary advice of rights hearing in favor of a status conference scheduled for Friday.

Freeman has a known history of mental illness, according to court proceedings. He was previously arrested in 2022 after allegedly accelerating a vehicle toward police officers. Charges stemming from that incident, including attempted murder, were later dropped and the case dismissed with prejudice after the Department of Health took physical custody of Freeman by order of the Family Court.

Following Monday’s incident, authorities are now considering their next steps in addressing both public safety and Freeman’s circumstances.