– Shooting follows series of armed robberies, including vehicle theft on Beef Island and hold-ups in Road Town
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation into an armed robbery and shooting that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning at a popular bar in Road Town.
According to initial reports, two armed suspects entered the establishment, robbed several patrons, and discharged a firearm during the incident. One male victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
The incident comes amid a recent spike in armed robberies across the territory. Within the past week, police recorded multiple cases, including a vehicle stolen at gunpoint on Beef Island. That vehicle was later linked to another robbery in Road Town. In both earlier incidents, masked men carrying firearms robbed individuals of their valuables, though no injuries were reported.
Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool condemned the rise in violent crime, noting the threat posed to public safety.
“We are deeply concerned about the recent spate of armed robberies and last night’s shooting. These reckless acts threaten the safety and security of our community and will not be tolerated. Our officers are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible. We are asking members of the public who may have information to come forward and assist us in ensuring justice is served,” she said.
The RVIPF has also issued a public advisory warning residents to exercise caution, particularly when wearing jewellery at night, as robbers are reportedly targeting individuals displaying valuables after dark.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at (284) 368-9339 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (local) or (284) 800-8477 from overseas.
Further updates will be shared as investigations continue.
The fugitive known as John Dawn Emmanuel, also identified as Brent Dain Danglade and the alias “Small Brent,” who was first named by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in connection with the May 2025 murder of Nyron Erickson in Tortola, is now also being sought by authorities in Sint Maarten in relation to a separate double homicide investigation.
Emmanuel was publicly identified in May 2025 as the prime suspect in the killing of Erickson and was considered armed and dangerous. At the time, BVI authorities launched an intensive manhunt and warned residents not to approach him.
Now, nearly a year later, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Sint Maarten and KPSM Police have issued their own wanted notice, identifying the same suspect as the alleged shooter in the March 2, 2026 “Alligator” double murder investigation on Arlet Peters Road.
The victims in that case were Damien Sylvester and Denisha Delancy. Prosecutors described the incident as a targeted killing aimed at Sylvester, with Delancy believed to have been an unintended victim.
Police in Sint Maarten have released several images from different periods to show the public how Emmanuel has appeared over time, including both recent and older photographs. The published images highlight noticeable differences in his appearance across various stages, while investigators also noted that he has an elongated tattoo on the inside of his right forearm.
While law enforcement agencies across the Caribbean are coordinating efforts to locate him, JTV News BVI has not independently confirmed any active murder warrant issued by U.S. Virgin Islands authorities specifically charging Emmanuel. Current publicly documented wanted notices primarily involve the BVI murder investigation and the Sint Maarten double murder case. Regional cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions, including U.S. agencies, has been reported as part of broader search efforts.
Police continue to urge residents throughout the Virgin Islands and neighboring territories not to approach the suspect and to report any information directly to law enforcement.
JTV News will continue following developments in this major regional manhunt.
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.
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.