Crime/Police
Police Locates Getaway Vehicle – Aladdin Store Robbers Still On The Run
Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have located the vehicle used by four armed robbers on Friday morning to escape the scene after robbing the Aladdin Store on Flemming Street in Road Town, Tortola.
A video shared with this news agency shortly after midday on February 9 showed officers collecting evidence from the car used in the robbery.
Sources revealed that investigators discovered two different number plates on the car suspected to have been stolen. The vehicle has been taken into police custody for thorough examination by investigators.
In the meantime, the pursuit continues for the armed suspects, who carried out the daring raid at Aladdin Store, known for retailing branded merchandise including jewellery and bags, shortly after 10 am on February 9.
The bandits discharged shots into the air in the lively Road Town shopping square, causing alarm among residents in nearby buildings and on the street, with no reported injuries.
Police were summoned as the robbery was unfolding.
Eyewitnesses’ videos show four bandits clad entirely in black and shrouded in hoods concealing their faces fleeing the scene.
One suspect was wielding what seemed to be a semi-automatic gun at the store’s entrance.
The specifics regarding the quantity of stolen merchandise remain undisclosed.
RVIP in a statement confirmed the holdup and added that an investigation has been launched.
This is the second daytime heist in Road Town in less than a year. On July 1, 2023, a pair of armed and masked individuals dressed in all white robbed a jewellery store in the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park.
Both men fled towards the parking lot, firing several shots in the air before absconding with a quantity of the store’s merchandise.
Subsequently, Shamul Mitchell, 35, of Sand Box Road, and Jelani Marquis, 27, of Hannahs Estate, both on Tortola, were apprehended and charged with robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.
They are currently on remand in prison.
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.
Crime/Police
RVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory
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.
Crime/Police
Police Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory
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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