Crime/Police
Shamori Callwood Charged With Attempted Murder In Miami
One of the British Virgin Islands most wanted Shemari Omar Malik Callwood has been charged with attempted murder in Miami, United States.
Miami Gardens police said Callwood was apprehended on Tuesday on multiple charges, including second-degree attempted murder, deadly missile, discharging a machine gun, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary, criminal mischief, carrying a concealed firearm and openly carrying a weapon.
According to the arrest report, at around 2:45 p.m. a report was made that Callwood was refusing to leave from the front of a building at 99 Northwest 183rd Street.
Callwood, who is wanted in the BVI for a number of firearm offences dating back to 2021, was attepting to re-enter the building through a separate entrance which was locked.
On seeing the police, he fled the scene holding what appeared to be a black handgun, authorities said.
He ran into the parking garage of Tootsie’s gentlemen’s club, entering the closed business through a door inside the parking garage.
The report said officers entered the strip club and arrested Callwood. His gun, which had an auto sear device attached to it which made it fully automatic, was confiscated.
While Callwood was being arrested, Police received a call from a Miami-Dade County bus driver who said he heard a loud noise and then noticed that the right side of his window had been struck by a bullet, along with the front glass door.
The bus driver recognised Callwood as the shooter while he was running from the Miami Gardens police officers.
No one on the bus was shot, authorities confirmed.
According to police, Callwood has a protection order against him in Hillsborough County and was not permitted to purchase or possess any firearms or ammunition.
A shooting incident in close proximity to the Elmore Stoutt High School in the Long Bush area of Road Town has left one man seriously injured and prompted an immediate lockdown at the school.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the injured man was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unknown at this time. Details about the suspected assailant or potential motives are still unclear.
The incident, which took place on Pickering Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today, November 8, led the school administration to enact the lockdown as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. Shortly afterward, parents received official communication from the school, reassuring them that the lockdown had been lifted and that students were safe.
“We understand that such news can be concerning, but please rest assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” the school stated. “The school day is continuing as normal, and students are safe and secure.”
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Parents and guardians with questions are also encouraged to reach out directly to the school for further updates on student safety. Further details will be shared as they become available.
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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.
RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.
“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”
To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.
If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.
The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.
Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF
To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”
Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
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