Crime/Police
One Arrested as Police Seize Drugs and Weapon in Major Crackdown on Tortola Violence
In response to a series of violent incidents across Tortola, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) launched a sweeping operation on Friday, August 23, aimed at curbing public disorder and restoring a sense of security to the island’s residents.
The operation, described as intelligence-led, involved a coordinated effort of targeted stop-and-search checks, increased patrols, and strategic searches across various hotspots on the island.
The initiative resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of controlled drugs, drug-dealing paraphernalia, and an offensive weapon. One adult male was arrested in connection with the seized items, and investigations are ongoing into other materials recovered during the operation.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool highlighted the importance of the operation in addressing the community’s growing concerns. “The recent incidents of indiscriminate gunfire and other forms of public disorder have understandably alarmed our residents,” said Vanterpool. “This operation was crucial not only in terms of enforcement but also in reassuring the public that we are committed to restoring and maintaining peace in our communities.”
Vanterpool further emphasised the RVIPF’s commitment to cracking down on criminal activities, noting, “The police are dedicated to investigating and apprehending those who continue to disregard the law and disrupt the safety of our communities.”
In her statement, the Acting Commissioner also called on the public to support law enforcement efforts by providing any information that could assist in tackling criminal activities. “We urge anyone with information to come forward. Your cooperation is vital to our continued success in these operations,” Vanterpool added.
The RVIPF has provided multiple avenues for confidential reporting, including the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS) and the RVIPF Intelligence Department at 284-368-9339, ensuring that all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
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.
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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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