Crime/Police
Teenager Charged Following Robbery Investigations in British Virgin Islands
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.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Crime/Police
Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.
According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.
De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.
“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.
The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.
Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Crime/Police19 hours agoTarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
-
Crime/Police6 days agoTwo Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
-
Elections 202320 hours agoHon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMystiq Flax Charles Wins Best Look of the Night at Style Week Event
-
Local News20 hours agoCivil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
-
Elections 20235 days agoWalters Elected NDP Vice President as Party Finalizes Leadership Team
-
Crime/Police1 week agoSix New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThree Contestants Confirmed for Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant in Tortola