A 17-year-old male has been formally charged in connection with a string of recent robberies, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced Thursday, February 6.

The RVIPF charged the teenager with multiple offenses, including two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, robbery, and possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a series of robberies over the weekend, during which police recovered an AR-15 rifle, a STRIBOG semi-automatic pistol, thirty-five rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition. Other individuals initially arrested in connection with the case have since been released from custody.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of minors in violent crime.

“The frequency with which we are seeing young individuals entangled in gun-related crime is deeply troubling,” Vanterpool said. “This trend is not only a threat to public safety but a stark reminder of the urgent need for community intervention. We must work together—law enforcement, families, and community leaders—to steer our young people away from crime and toward positive opportunities.”

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Information can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can contact (284) 800-8477.

Two vehicles lost control and ran off the road in separate incidents Thursday morning along the Windy Hill/Ridge Road from Chalwell to Stoutt Lookout, prompting District 2 Representative Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull to issue a public advisory urging motorists to drive with extreme caution.

Hon. Turnbull stressed the importance of road safety, particularly with the increased traffic expected due to the arrival of two cruise ships in the territory. He specifically appealed to taxi drivers and other road users to drive carefully, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and remain vigilant while navigating the area.

“I am urging all motorists to prioritize safety while traveling this stretch of road,” Hon. Turnbull stated. “With the added traffic today, it is even more critical to drive slowly and remain alert to prevent further accidents.”

The District 2 Representative expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and reassured residents that efforts are being made to ensure road safety.

Former police officer Harris Walters was sentenced to 32 months in prison today after being found guilty of two counts of assaulting a minor. Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards handed down the sentence nearly ten months after Walters’ conviction, ruling that both sentences will run concurrently.

The charges against Walters stem from incidents dating back to 2014 and 2015. Prosecutors detailed that the first assault occurred in 2014, involving a child with whom Walters had a parent-child relationship. The court further heard that in July 2015, while accompanying the child to a police station on one of the territory’s sister islands, Walters engaged in inappropriate conduct. The child had traveled with him to visit a family friend.

Later that same month, prosecutors said Walters took the child to a hotel, where another act of assault occurred. The prosecution also revealed that he gave the child a sum of money.

The matter came to light when the child confided in her mother, leading to a police investigation. A subsequent medical examination at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital corroborated the allegations. Walters was arrested and charged following the investigation.

Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Walters was convicted in the Magistrate’s Court and was initially released on $70,000 bail before sentencing.