Police probe Purcell armed robbery and Meyers shooting

Police are investigating an armed robbery at a business in Purcell and a separate reported shooting in Meyers that left a man with what appeared to be a gunshot wound.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) outlined the two investigations in press releases issued yesterday, September 29, appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

The robbery occurred at a business along Blackburn Highway in the Purcell area on Friday, September 25. Police received a report shortly after 9:30 pm that two masked men, dressed in black, had entered the establishment and demanded cash.

One suspect reportedly carried what appeared to be a handgun. The men took cash from two registers before fleeing. No injuries were reported.

Officers attended the scene and conducted initial enquiries. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who witnessed the robbery or noticed suspicious activity in the area around that time.

In the separate Meyers investigation, police received a report after an injured man went to the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital for medical attention.

Initial information indicated that he was near his residence when two men approached him. Police described the suspects as slim-built and dressed entirely in black.

One shot was reportedly fired, after which the injured man made his way to the hospital. Police said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained under investigation.

“We take incidents involving firearms seriously. Our detectives are working to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible,” Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger said.

“I urge anyone with information about this incident or suspicious activity in the Meyers area to come forward. Even the smallest detail could assist the investigation,” he added.

Earlier this month, Ullger had disclosed the seizure of 18 illegal firearms since the start of the year. He also said police were working with the National Security Council to explore increased sentences for firearm possession. The force had established a specialised team to detect illegal weapons and bring offenders before the courts.

Police reminded business owners and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about either incident can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit on 368-9512 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers BVI on 800-8477. Police said they would treat all information received with the strictest confidence.