Crime/Police
Masked Men on Scooters Sought in Tortola Break-In Attempt and Gunfire Reports
Acting Commissioner Jacqueline E. Vanterpool Urges Public’s Help
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said Tuesday, Oct. 7, that officers are investigating two separate Tortola incidents involving masked men and the suspected use of a firearm.
Shortly after 11 a.m. in Meyers Estate, officers on patrol were alerted by a female resident to an attempted break-in at her home. A masked man fled on a scooter when confronted. Police pursued the suspect, who reportedly brandished what appeared to be a firearm before escaping. No injuries were reported. Detectives are pursuing leads and reviewing CCTV footage.
JTV understands it was not the Armed Response Unit; officers aborted the pursuit after the suspect drew a firearm for safety reasons.
Around 11:40 p.m. in Baughers Bay, officers responded to reports of gunfire. Preliminary findings indicate four masked men arrived on two scooters, and one individual discharged a firearm before the group fled. Police said there is no indication of an intended target, and no injuries were reported. Spent shell casings were recovered at the scene.
Police said patrols have been increased to reassure residents and deter further violence. “We are thankful that no one was harmed in these reckless and dangerous acts. The RVIPF remains steadfast in its mission to protect the people of these Virgin Islands. Those who choose to endanger our communities with violence should know that we will pursue every lead and every piece of evidence until justice is served,” Vanterpool said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at (284) 368-9339 or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, from overseas, at (284) 800-8477. Police said all information will be kept confidential.
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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