Firearms recovered, two arrested in early morning stop
Police have arrested two men and seized two firearms after stopping a vehicle during routine patrols in the Diamond Estate and Ridge Road area early Friday morning, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said in a press release.
At about 12:40 a.m., officers on mobile patrol along Ridge Road observed a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction with two male occupants whose behaviour appeared suspicious. The vehicle was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of two firearms. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of firearms and remain in custody while investigations advance.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded her team’s response.
“Our officers continue to demonstrate vigilance and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Every illegal firearm removed from our streets represents a life potentially saved. I commend the team for their swift action and dedication to duty,” she stated.
The force appealed to the public for assistance, reminding residents of key contact points. “The RVIPF continues to urge members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS). All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence,” the statement said.
The arrests come on the heels of the territory’s first Anti-Crime Summit, held in late September under the theme “Our Virgin Islands: Safe Communities, Prosperous Territory.”
Officials described the summit as a constructive start. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said the event was “not just an event; it was the birth of a movement,” adding that it marked the beginning of a long-term effort to make the Virgin Islands a safer and more prosperous place.
He also cautioned that lasting change would take time.
“The summit was never intended to provide every solution in three days,” he stated, explaining that its purpose was to begin developing a national crime prevention strategy through collaboration among government, law enforcement and community groups.
To build on the summit’s outcomes, the government has retained a consultancy firm to develop a comprehensive anti-crime strategy aimed at reducing firearm offences and other violent crimes.
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Give them the maximum sentence possible. These people are a threat to society and this is the moment to send a clear message.
Excellant Police Work. More of that please
Yet Again..
Really and truly is it the Police or the Media witholding names. At this point it seems very intentional.
Names are not published until after charging.
this is great news! if you guys (RVIPF) keep the pressure on and stay present on the streets certain hours, you will uncover alot more things. Keep it up!!!!
Better build a bigger prison
Excellent job AcCOP. Meanwhile,more emphasis on that model of policing should be hyperized and put into regular effect.
One of these young men I helped get a job after he graduated high school. Couple months ago he got into a bit of trouble with the law and I spoke to him about his choices in life and he consequences of said actions. He affirmed to me he would stay out of trouble and now this!!
This young man is 18 and following company and the fast life of big chains and this gangster lifestyle. Dude you heading for jail time and you’re future is in limbo because of your poor choices following company! Is a cut @$$ I want to dish out pal…disappointed is an understatement!
Contract with one of the African countries to house them as the U S has done with immigrants. The financial assist to said country would be a boon and our prisoners will have had an opportunity to “return home”, Some may even decide to stay upon their release. The possibility of newfound opportunities,culture,language….
Citizenship there is also a possibility. Sone African countries ,in addition to citizenship includes land in the package,