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parents have reportedly signed a release form with the school, granting permission for their children to be temporarily withdrawn from classes.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.