Crime/Police
Armed Robbery and Shooting Prompt Police Crackdown on Weapons
A string of separate incidents across Tortola, including an armed robbery, a non-fatal shooting, and gunfire directed at police officers, has prompted renewed attention to gun-related crime in the territory. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has since stepped up its firearm recovery operations, with officers making an arrest and confiscating a weapon during routine checks.
According to police, stop-and-search operations were carried out at several locations Monday night. During one such check in the Huntums Ghut area, officers recovered a firearm and ammunition from a vehicle. One male was arrested in connection with the discovery. This marks the second illegal firearm seized within 48 hours and brings the number of firearms removed from the streets so far in 2025 to 14.
Despite these efforts, police responded to three separate reports overnight. In Road Town, a man was robbed at gunpoint outside a nightclub. In Long Bush, another man was hospitalized after being shot in the lower body. In Duffs Bottom, officers pursuing suspects linked to a suspected vehicle theft came under gunfire. No injuries were reported among the police.
Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement and reaffirmed the RVIPF’s commitment to community safety.
“While we’re making progress in removing illegal weapons, tonight’s events show our work is far from done,” Commissioner Vanterpool said. “Attacks on our officers and community members will not be tolerated. We have dedicated teams working around the clock on these investigations.”
She added that victims are receiving support and that investigations into each incident remain active.
The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information to contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477 for overseas callers.
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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