A Virgin Islands Police detective was fatally shot by a suspect wielding a rifle while on duty in the Hospital Ground area of St. Thomas Tuesday. A suspect is in custody.
Virgin Islands Detective Killed Responding to Man with a Gun Call
Detective Delberth Phipps Jr., 42, was responding to a 911 call of a man carrying a firearm and wearing a “bulletproof” vest just before 8 a.m. when he was shot, police say.
by Staff
July 5, 2023
Detective Delberth Phipps Jr. of the Virgin Islands Police Department was killed Tuesday in an exchange of fire with a murder suspect.
Credit:
Virgin Islands PD
1 min to read
Detective Delberth Phipps Jr., 42, was responding to a 911 call of a man carrying a firearm and wearing a “bulletproof” vest just before 8 a.m. when he was shot, according to the V.I. Police Department.
“Upon officers’ arrival, the suspect fired upon them with a high-powered assault rifle,” the VIPD release stated. “Responding officers immediately engaged the suspect.” During the exchange of gunfire Phipps, a seven-year veteran of the police force, and the suspect were both wounded, the St. Thomas Source reports.
Both were transported to for treatment at a local hospital. Phipps succumbed to his wounds, police said.
The suspect, Richardson Dangleben Jr., 50, is in custody. Preliminary investigation reveals he was wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with an assault rifle, handgun, and several hundred rounds of ammunition, according to police. He was out on bail after he was released to the custody of his parents for the Feb. 24 first-degree murder of Keith A. Jennings, 68, in Hospital Ground, the release stated.
More Patrol
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Read More →
Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4
Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Read More →
Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Read More →
How are LE Boots Different for Women?
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
Read More →
Motorola Solutions Extends Resilient, Mission-Critical Communications and AI with T-Satellite from T-Mobile
A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.
Read More →
Registration Now Open for 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit
Registration is now open for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with local and federal leaders, specifically the FirstNet Authority, which is hosting a track at the event this year.
Read More →