Crime/Police
Two Men Charged with Daring Daylight Pier Park Robbery
Shamul Mitchell of Sand Box Road and Jelani Marquis of Hannahs Estate, both Tortola residents, have been charged with the June 30 daring daylight robbery of House of Luxury jewelry store in the Cyril B. Romney Pier Park.
Mitchell, 35, and Marquis, 27, have been charged with robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense.
Last Tuesday, Royal Virgin Islands Police Acting Commissioner St. Clair Amory had disclosed that detectives of the Criminal Investigations Department were following every lead.
“It is very difficult to resist the temptation to respond and defend the Force when those in the community give commentary on its actions or inactions. However, compiling the necessary evidence to charge perpetrators of gun crimes takes time and requires a great deal more effort. In these types of investigations, unfortunately, the least said, the better for us,” he said.
He thanked the officers for the long hours and dedicated teamwork, and also the public for their assistance.
Last Saturday at around 2 p.m., officers were called to the scene of an armed robbery at Pier Park.
Employees of the store reported that two armed masked individuals entered the building dressed in all white and stole several pieces of jewellery from the showcases.
The value of the jewellery is undisclosed.
They fled the scene towards the parking lot and one of the perpetrators discharged a firearm.
No injuries were reported.
The men will appear in Magistrate’s Court at the next available sitting.
Crime/Police
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
Crime/Police
Two Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
Crime/Police
K’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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