Crime/Police
At Least One Person Arrested By Police After Violent Altercation – Concerned Parents Withdraw Children From School
Officials from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have taken at least one person into custody following a violent altercation that occurred at Elmore Stoutt High School in Road Town, Tortola. The incident occurred around 12:00 noon when a group of individuals, one of whom was observed wearing a hoodie and partially concealing their face, managed to breach the school’s security measures.
Eyewitnesses have reported that the intruders were armed and caused a state of panic among the students, leading the school to immediately contact the police for assistance. Chaos ensued as students hurriedly sought shelter, fearing for their safety.
The police responded swiftly to the scene, with reports indicating that one officer had to draw their firearm during the apprehension of one of the individuals involved in the altercation. However, the school administration sent an email shortly after 1:00 pm on October 9, stating that there were no masked gunmen or shootings on campus. The school further reassured parents that the situation had been brought under control.
Despite the school’s efforts to restore normalcy, a number of concerned parents have decided to remove their children from the campus. These parents have reportedly signed a release form with the school, granting permission for their children to be temporarily withdrawn from classes.
Classes have now resumed as usual, but the aftermath of this incident has left the school community on edge. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the altercation, with the aim of ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff at Elmore Stoutt High School.
In a distressing turn of events, one parent reported that while at the school, an individual on a scooter advised parents to promptly remove their children from the campus, as additional intruders were allegedly planning to return. “I went to get my child, and while I was there, a person on a scooter told us to take our children and leave because they were coming back. So I took my child,” the concerned parent shared. Several other parents and residents have also contacted JTV expressing similar concerns.
“The school is giving one account, but these children, even some teachers, are saying something else. My child is still shaking. She claims she witnessed a man in a hoodie brandishing a gun. She doesn’t want to go back to school. She is traumatized,” another parent told JTV.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT:
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.
Nyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
RVIPF Cracks Down on Illegal Motorbikes with Crushing Initiative
Virgin Islands Avoids Direct Rule Through Sweeping Governance Reforms
-
Crime/Police1 week agoThree Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI
-
Crime/Police4 days agoMan Detained in Alleged Break-In, Police Notified
-
Crime/Police4 days agoJamari Scatliffe Charged in Free Bottom Nightclub Shooting
-
Uncategorized10 hours agoNyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Local News2 weeks agoOne Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola
-
Uncategorized2 days agoRVIPF Cracks Down on Illegal Motorbikes with Crushing Initiative
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoChef Kenneth Molyneaux Serves Up BVI National Dish at Miami’s Deering Seafood Festival
-
Uncategorized4 days agoMen Released Without Charge in Firearm Case as Investigation Continues