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.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation following an armed robbery at a popular bar in the Sea Cows Bay area late Monday night.
According to police, a group of armed individuals entered the establishment on the night of May 12, demanding valuables from patrons and staff. While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the usually tranquil community.
Officers responded to the scene and are actively working to identify those involved. The RVIPF has confirmed that investigators are maintaining close contact with key witnesses and gathering critical information as the inquiry continues.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
A man believed to be mentally challenged was apprehended yesterday, May 8, for allegedly breaking and entering. While it is unclear whose property was involved or when the incident occurred, a voice in the video of the encounter is heard saying, “You hungry, ask for food, you don’t break into people’s houses.”
JTV understands that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been made aware of the matter. Further details will be provided as they become available.
A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting outside a popular nightclub in Free Bottom. Following reports of gunfire in the area on Monday, April 28, 2024, officers arrested Jamari Scatliffe of John’s Hole, who now faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear, unlawful possession of explosives, and attempted robbery.
According to initial reports, officers responded to the scene shortly after 1:45 a.m., where two masked individuals allegedly approached a group near the nightclub, prompting one person to flee inside. The masked assailants then fired several rounds before escaping.
A subsequent search of the area recovered eight spent shell casings, including five .223 caliber and three .40 caliber rounds.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the swift action by officers, stressing the department’s commitment to public safety.
“Gun violence has no place in our community,” Vanterpool said. “The swift action by officers to investigate and bring charges in this matter reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety. We thank those who have already come forward and continue to urge anyone with information to do the right thing.”
The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information related to this or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
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