Crime/Police
Premier To Hold National Security Meeting With Governor
Premier Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced his intention to meet with Governor John Rankin to request a National Security Council meeting in light of the unfortunate passing of Police Detective Paul France whose body was pulled from a submerged vehicle near the waterfront of the Queen Elizabeth II Park on Tortola.
During a JTV exclusive interview this afternoon, October 7, the Minister of Finance said he was meeting with Governor Rankin to request a National Security Council meeting to be thoroughly briefed on the investigation.
“I still am yet to receive a proper briefing on it. I will first, and expect to speak to the Governor in a little while and ask for a National Security meeting,” he said.
The interagency meeting aims to provide the Premier with an extensive update on the circumstances surrounding Detective France’s passing, as well as other security matters within the territory.
The sudden loss of Detective France has deeply impacted the entire territory. With almost forty years of dedicated service, Detective France, a British citizen, was highly regarded both locally and in the United Kingdom.
A concerned passerby noticed tracks leading towards the sea and, upon closer inspection, discovered Detective France’s white Kia Soul submerged in the water.
The RVIPF was immediately notified, and the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the scene. Sadly, the officer was found unresponsive in the vehicle.
Premier Wheatley and Police Commissioner Mark Collins have extended their heartfelt condolences to Detective France’s family.
Governor John Rankin
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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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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