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.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Armed Robbery Reported at Bar in Sea Cows Bay
Mosquito Awareness Week: Virgin Islands Residents Urged to Combat Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Nyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoThree Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI
-
Crime/Police6 days agoMan Detained in Alleged Break-In, Police Notified
-
Crime/Police6 days agoJamari Scatliffe Charged in Free Bottom Nightclub Shooting
-
Uncategorized2 days agoNyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Local News2 weeks agoOne Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola
-
Crime/Police6 hours agoArmed Robbery Reported at Bar in Sea Cows Bay
-
Uncategorized4 days agoRVIPF Cracks Down on Illegal Motorbikes with Crushing Initiative
-
Uncategorized6 days agoMen Released Without Charge in Firearm Case as Investigation Continues