Crime/Police
Three Men Found Dead in Separate Incidents Across BVI —Police Launch Investigations
he Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed the identities of three men who were found deceased in separate incidents across the Territory between June 6 and June 9.
The first incident occurred on Friday, June 6, when the body of 47-year-old Vincent Warner of Free Bottom was recovered from the waters near Maria’s by the Sea in Road Town. Police said the body was retrieved shortly after 5 p.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing,” the RVIPF stated in a press release issued Tuesday.
In a second, unrelated incident on Virgin Gorda, authorities reported that the body of Jan Zettel Jr., a 31-year-old long-time resident of Nail Bay, was discovered on Sunday, June 8. According to the RVIPF, Zettel was last seen around midnight at Blue House Bar on Virgin Gorda. He was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday, prompting a coordinated search effort.
“His body was found shortly after 9 a.m. that morning,” police said. No further details regarding the cause of death have been released at this time.
The third incident involved a 71-year-old American visitor, Johnnie Hoffman, who was found unresponsive in the water on Monday, June 9. According to the RVIPF, Hoffman had been swimming with family members when the incident occurred.
He was rescued by the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue team (VISAR) and transported for medical treatment, but was later pronounced dead.
“The investigations into each of these deaths remain active, and we are working to determine the full circumstances,” the RVIPF said.
Police are urging members of the public who may have information relevant to any of the incidents to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at +1-284-368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (or +1-284-800-8477 from overseas).
“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of these individuals during this time of loss,” the RVIPF added.
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.
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