Crime/Police
Authorities Confirm Sunday Night Shooting Unrelated to Prison Escape
The National Security Council (NSC) has confirmed that Sunday night’s shooting in Purcell Estate, which left one man hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds, is not linked to the ongoing search for two inmates who escaped from His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, over the weekend.
According to police reports, the shooting occurred late Sunday evening in the Purcell Estate area. The injured man turned up at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital in a bullet riddled car. No arrests have been made as investigations continue.
The NSC, chaired by Governor Daniel Pruce, convened a special meeting Monday afternoon October 27 in response to the prison breakout, during which two U.S. Virgin Islands nationals — Jose Almestica and John Burgos — were discovered missing.
During the meeting, the Council received briefings from Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall and Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool on the ongoing investigation and manhunt for the escapees.
Authorities outlined several immediate actions to strengthen security at the prison, increase police visibility across the Territory, and bolster inter-agency coordination. Regional and international law enforcement partners are also assisting in the search for the two fugitives.
While condemning the Purcell Estate shooting, the NSC emphasized that the incident is not connected to the prison escape and urged the public to remain calm and cooperative with police.
Residents are reminded to stay vigilant, secure their homes and vehicles, and report any information that may assist in the ongoing investigations.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force directly, call Crime Stoppers, or use the confidential hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS), 800-847-8477, or 368-9339.
The National Security Council is chaired by the Governor and includes the Premier, the Minister for Communications and Works, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Police, with the Cabinet Secretary serving as facilitator.
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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