Masked men arrested near bank freed without charge
Two masked men arrested near a popular bank in the early hours of April 24 have been released from custody without charge, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said on Wednesday.
The pair had been held after police responded to a report of suspicious activity in the vicinity of the bank. A firearm and several rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operation. Officers pursued and detained the two men following the report.
The RVIPF said the suspects were freed “owing to insufficient evidence at the time that can be relied on to clearly establish links between them and the illicit items.”
The investigation remains active, according to the police.
“We continue to urge members of the public who may have any information relating to this incident to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477,” the police said in a statement.
Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool praised the initial arrest.
“This operation is a clear example of our officers’ courage, dedication, and tactical skill,” Vanterpool said. “Their quick actions may have prevented a more serious incident from occurring.”
“I also want to thank the public for their continued trust and cooperation,” she added. “It is only by working together that we can keep our communities safe. Every bit of information helps, and we urge anyone with knowledge that may assist this investigation to come forward.”
The RVIPF said additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Earlier this year, former RVIPF Commissioner Mark Collins had pointed to an uptick in firearm recoveries across the territory. Police have repeatedly urged the public to report illegal weapons and suspicious behaviour.
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Arrested and then let out…we in trouble buddy.
if i were the men i would sue for wrongful arrest
Free to try again next time… fine police work
Since the BVI does not have a problem with guns, just make them legal to be owned.
Only thing they want to lock you up in the BVI for is weed. Say you see a suspicious package around the reef the whole force out there hoping they find money.
Found with a cache of guns and ammo……no problem, everything nice.
So yall rather lock up an innocent person and go to court and lose or let them get it right
Are you gonna holler out st the white CoLoniST commissioner now ❓️ (oops I forgot the ain’t here anymore / so who you gonna blame now ❓️ oh , yeah , you can poi t your dutty finger at them island police for incompetence / negligence or something else that you can air out your mouth on / as that’s all you good faH .
lol what?
you managed to find a gun where the guy you caught ran throught and just on the off chance in that very place is a gun and you can’t make a case, the AG needs to be fired and replaced with someone with intelligence and may i say it a pair of balls
Guess they were people just worried about Covid.
Is running from the police not a crime?
Question should be if running from the police with a mask on is a crime.
Not surprised how not being charged doesn’t mean not guilty!! Our justice system sucks.
I know people named call in simple things police going to them and put them on reman , these man was found with gun and mask next to the bank. Ok I see they are working for the police to be on the street to kill other man I c the deal , you police going to get what for you Judgement coming
In the middle of town with a million cameras evidence including, alleged masks, a pursuit into the water, illegal items found in the water, they dont have enough evidence to charge.