Crime/Police
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations
A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally 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.
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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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