Crime/Police
Police Officer Paul France Found Dead In Submerged Vehicle
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that Detective Paul France was found dead early this morning in a vehicle submerged in the sea behind the helicopter pad located behind the parking lot a short distance from the Queen Elizabeth Park 11 I in Road Town, Tortola.
France was a British citizen with close to forty years of service in the police forces in the United Kingdom and the British Virgin Islands.
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, in an October 7 statement, said, “Detective France was a highly regarded member of our organization, and this tragedy profoundly saddens us. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.”
It was a man who went fishing in the area shortly after 8 am today, October 7, who observed the vehicle in the sea. He relayed what he saw to another person who arrived at the area shortly after. The second individual who, upon suspecting someone was in the vehicle, raised the alarm.
The RVIPF and Fire and Rescue were summoned and with the aid of one of the men, swam out.
“After a period of effort, they noticed an unresponsive male inside the vehicle. The lone male occupant was later recovered from the vehicle and declared deceased.” The RVIPF said.
The white Grand Vitara was subsequently fished from the sea.
Police Commissioner Collins has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Detective France’s family and expressed his gratitude to the members of the public who lent their support during this devastating incident.
The RVIPF is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Detective France.
Anyone with relevant information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
Crime/Police
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a series of arrests across the territory, highlighting a diverse range of criminal charges as law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities.
Tyler Harrigan, 26, of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with criminal damage, armed with an offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the incident leading to the charges.
In a separate case, Kelvin Eleuthere, 27, of Soper’s Hole, West End, was arrested on November 15 and charged with harboring a person, a serious offense under local law.
Also on November 15, Shamar John, 47, was charged for overstaying his landing permit, a violation of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, on November 11, Kelliel Mala, 26, of the US Virgin Islands, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation.
Additionally, a 12-year-old minor was charged with indecent language on November 22.
Each of the accused individuals is scheduled to face court proceedings in the coming months.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with various assault incidents, including attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
On November 1, Julian Peters of Free Bottom was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17. Later in the month, on November 29, police arrested Tresley Chewitt, 41, of Windy Hill, Virgin Gorda, for a separate assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Chewitt was granted bail of $10,000 and will appear in court on January 20, 2025.
In incidents involving law enforcement, Ernest Williams, 31, of Virgin Gorda, and Shem Letteen, 53, of East End, were both arrested on November 23 for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Both men were granted bail of $3,000 and are expected to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to cooperate with investigations and report any incidents of violence or threats to public safety.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with firearm and explosives offenses in a series of incidents spanning November.
On November 29, officers arrested Luiz Guerra Bethelmy, 45, of Great Mountain, and Dania Livari Castello. Both face charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
Earlier in the month, on November 17, police apprehended 20-year-old Daniel Maduro of Long Bush. Maduro was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
In a separate incident on November 15, authorities arrested Richard Baronville, 32, of Long Bush, and Kahlim Smith, 24, of Nottingham Estate. Both men face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.
Most recently, on November 30, police charged Keanus Smart, 18, of Free Bottom, with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense and unlawful possession of explosives.
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
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