Sep 12, 2006 11:06 pm US/Central
Victim Of Attack In Virgin Islands Urges Awareness
Attack Part Of Recent Trend Of Violence In Tropical Getaways
by Suzanne Le Mignot
(CBS)
You go on vacation to escape from the troubles of everyday life.
Now, there's a disturbing trend of violent crime in tropical paradises considered to be very safe.
The latest involves a Chicago man who suffered a vicious attack on the U.S Virgin Island of St. John.
As CBS 2's Suzanne LeMignot reports, his mission now is to spread the word.
A blood-stained face, an open wound on his knee; this is how Don Calloway said he looked after he fell to the ground following a beating with a shovel.
"This kid started swinging. The first couple shots, I took in the arms, I caught one. Then, after three or four shots, he landed one on my head," Calloway said.
Calloway said he was attacked while vacationing on St. John. He had left a local bar on the island and was trying to hail a cab. That's when he said two teens approached him from behind.
"I took off my watch, threw it to them, asked them what they wanted, do you want my money. They never said anything," Calloway said.
Calloway said he was able to get away from his two teenaged attackers. He ran to a nearby police station.
Police found his battered watch on the road. The attackers never took it.
Weeks later, Calloway's wounds may have healed, but now, he wants justice.
The police commissioner of the Virgin Islands and the commissioner of tourism have sent Calloway letters. Both offered apologies. They also said the case is being investigated. Calloway said he wants more.
He wants to make sure the island's transportation system provides taxis after businesses close, so tourists are safe.
St. John police say Calloway appeared to be intoxicated. Calloway set up an email address following his attack. He wanted to hear from people who have had or heard about similar experiences.
He said that in just the past two to three weeks, he's received about thirty emails. He said he just wants to raise island awareness.
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