The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has recovered three high-powered firearms from two separate incidents this week.

On Monday, June 24, RVIPF officers, acting on specific intelligence, attempted to stop a Kia Soul in the Johnsons Ghut area.

Upon seeing the officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers discovered two prohibited firearms: a Micro Draco 7.62 calibre rifle and a 5.56 calibre rifle equipped with a silencer. A substantial amount of ammunition was also recovered. Efforts to identify and locate the driver are ongoing.

Two days later, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, RVIPF officers conducted a stop-and-check operation in the Huntum’s Ghut area. During the operation, a vehicle search revealed a 0.40 calibre pistol with several .40 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, several items suspected to have been stolen were seized. Three male suspects were arrested and remain in police custody as the investigation proceeds.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mark Collins, praised the officers for their bravery and unwavering dedication to reducing crime and safeguarding the community. “These recoveries highlight the relentless commitment of our officers to ensure the safety and security of the Virgin Islands. We will continue to act on intelligence and conduct operations to remove illegal firearms from our streets.”

The RVIPF urges anyone with information related to these incidents to contact the Crime Stoppers line confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for international calls, 1-284-800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit can also be reached at 284-368-9339. Even seemingly minor information could prove crucial in solving these crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have arrested and charged Leonardo Frett, a 64-year-old resident of Long Look, with inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred earlier this year in East End, Tortola, where a woman sustained serious injuries after being assaulted with a piece of wood.

Frett was apprehended on June 13,  following a thorough investigation by the authorities. After his arrest, he was granted police bail and is scheduled to appear in court on September 12, to face the charges.

Kie-Andre Williams, 21, of McNamara, and Jehkhalibbah Williams, 19, of Free Bottom, have been jointly charged with a range of offenses, including Burglary and Criminal Trespass, linked to separate incidents that occurred in April and May .

After weeks of investigation into a series of burglaries, thefts and other crimes targeting both commercial and residential properties, detectives from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have pressed multiple criminal charges against two men.

During several search operations at residences occupied by the two men, RVIPF officers recovered various items believed to have been stolen from homes and businesses throughout the Territory. Among the recovered items was a missing sport utility vehicle. Detectives anticipate filing additional charges against the men in the coming days.

Both men have been denied bail and remain in custody awaiting their next court appearance.

Anyone with information related to any burglaries is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, if calling from overseas, at 1-284-800-8477. Alternatively, information can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Every piece of information, no matter how small, can contribute to advancing the investigation. All information provided will be treated confidentially.