RVIPF investigating weekend incidents, including armed robbery

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool has announced that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is investigating a series of incidents that occurred over the weekend.

The RVIPF confirmed that an armed robbery took place along Ridge Road in the Meyers area, and reports of gunfire were received from the Purcell Estate area.

According to the report, a male victim was robbed at gunpoint in the early hours of Saturday, March 15. “The victim’s vehicle became disabled due to a flat tire, and while he attempted to address the issue, an unknown male approached and offered assistance. The suspect then brandished a firearm and forcibly took a piece of jewelry before fleeing the scene in a vehicle,” the press release stated.

Later that day, reports of gunfire were received from the Purcell Estate area. However, after an extensive search of the vicinity, no evidence of gunfire was found, the RVIPF reported.

Additionally, a 17-year-old male from Virgin Gorda was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after stabbing another individual during an escalated verbal dispute around 7 p.m. on Saturday. The victim received medical attention, and the injuries sustained were confirmed to be non-life-threatening.

“This has been a very eventful weekend, and we are actively investigating these matters to bring those responsible to justice,” Vanterpool stated in a press release issued by the RVIPF on Monday, March 17.

The Acting Commissioner continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any criminal activity.

“Your cooperation is essential in keeping our communities safe,” Vanterpool emphasized.

Anyone with information related to these incidents or who witnessed suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477.