Crime/Police
Pastor Calls for Urgent Action After Daughter’s Car Is Shot in Latest Wave of Gun Violence
During the Eighteenth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, today, August 22, Pastor Winston Salmon delivered a heartfelt plea for action as the Virgin Islands grapples with a surge in violent crime. Addressing the Assembly, Pastor Salmon, visibly shaken, urged lawmakers to confront the escalating violence, citing a recent shooting incident near his home.
“A bit shaky, but I just want to take one minute to ask the House at this time to look at the crime and violence around us,” Pastor Salmon said. “Just beside my house yesterday, a house was shot up, and my daughter—we could have been caught in that. I ask us to take a look into this crime and violence that’s going on in the country. It’s very, very serious, very, very serious.”
Pastor Salmon’s emotional appeal comes on the heels of two gunfire incidents that have unsettled the community. On 21 August, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded to reports of gunfire in the Free Bottom area shortly after 2 p.m. Although the scene was deserted when officers arrived, the discovery of spent shell casings triggered an active investigation. This marked the second shooting in as many days; in the early hours of 20 August, gunshots were reported in the Purcell Estate area. Officers responded shortly after 1 a.m., finding spent shell casings but no individuals at the scene. The area was cordoned off, and an investigation is ongoing.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool addressed the situation, emphasising the seriousness of the incident. “In light of this serious situation, the Police have mobilised the Crisis Intervention Team to provide essential support to the affected residents and the broader community. Furthermore, we have heightened security measures, including the deployment of armed patrols in the area, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents,” she stated.
The RVIPF is urging anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. Individuals can report tips anonymously through the Crime Stoppers line at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, if overseas, at +1-284-800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit is also available at 368-9339. Police emphasise that no detail is too small, and all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
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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