VIPD: STT Man Caught on Camera Beating Elderly Man with Chain

A St. Thomas man wanted by police since mid-April turned himself in on Monday for the assault of an elderly man, the V.I. Police Department reported.

Richard Lazarus, 32, was arrested and charged with first- and third-degree assault, aiding and abetting, elderly abuse, and disturbance of the peace after being observed on camera footage beating an elderly male repeatedly with a chain on April 8 in Contant, according to the police report.

Lazarus turned himself into the authorities and was turned over to the Bureau of Corrections. His bail was set at $75,000, police said. According to a document filed in V.I. Superior Court on Monday, Lazarus listed property he owns in Estate Elizabeth as surety for his bond.

The VIPD had issued an alert on April 19, asking the public to be on the lookout for Lazarus, who at the time they said was wanted for attempted murder.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, ext. 5535. They can also contact 911, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), the chief’s office at 340-715-5548, or the commissioner’s office at 340-715-5506.