RVIPF probing links in prison escape, Purcell shooting
Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool
Acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool says the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has intensified its operations across the territory following a recent shooting in Purcell Estate and the escape of two prisoners from His Majesty’s Prison (HMP).
Vanterpool confirmed that police were investigating possible links between the two incidents. “Investigations into this incident are ongoing, and our investigators are determining if and how the prison escape and the shooting incident event may be connected,” she stated.
Police were called to the Purcell Estate area on Sunday night after reports of gunfire. “Upon arrival, spent shells were discovered, confirming that a firearm had been discharged,” Vanterpool explained.
Officials said a vehicle with gunshot holes transported a male of Spanish descent with multiple gunshot wounds to the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital, where he remains under medical care. He is reportedly in serious but stable condition.
As a result of the incidents, the RVIPF has increased its patrol presence in Purcell and nearby communities. “As a precautionary measure and to ensure the continued safety and security of all residents, increased patrol units have been assigned to Purcell Estate and the surrounding areas,” Vanterpool said.
She also confirmed that police remain on the hunt for escaped prisoners Jose Almestica and John Burgos, who fled HMP on Saturday evening. “Teams within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have immediately begun investigations, including analysing all available footage in and around the prison and at other locations,” she added.
The Acting Commissioner cautioned residents to avoid approaching the fugitives. “I want to stress that these individuals are considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach them under any circumstances,” she warned.
Authorities in the United States Virgin Islands have also been notified as regional efforts intensify to locate the escapees. “Across the territory, our officers are highly engaged at strategic locations, including ports of entry and all possible areas of departure,” Vanterpool explained.
The RVIPF Marine Unit is conducting ongoing coastal patrols, while forensic officers are analysing evidence gathered from the prison site.
Vanterpool urged the public to remain calm but vigilant. “Please be assured that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the command team and I, as Acting Commissioner, are working tirelessly around the clock with diligence and determination to bring these matters to a swift and safe conclusion,” she said.
She also advised residents to lock their homes and vehicles, stay in well-lit areas, and report suspicious activity to police immediately.
“We fully intend to capture these escapees and return them to custody, bringing a swift end to this comprehensive manhunt,” Vanterpool added.
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Where are the roadblocks checking cards, police force on the streets, active monitoring of ports and airports?
BVI is definitely “special” – largest criminal prison break and not a single police unit can be seen on on the streets.
Dude been planning this from day 1 when he got arrested. Where is the bounty on their heads for capture dead or alive?!?!
Yet the powers that be won’t allow law-abiding citizens the rights to own and bear arms!! I’d rather tried by 12 than carried out to the church to a final resting spot!
Streets ain’t playing and the RVIPF always playing ‘catch up’! Time is NOW!
singing the song ‘who let the dogs out’ woop woop.
ALL PRISON OFFICERS WHO WAS ON DUTY THE NIGHT THESE TWO BOTTOM HOLE ESCAPE SHOULD BE ON SUSPENSION YOU KNOWS IT AND THE GOVERNOR VERY WELL KNOWS IT ACTION HOVERNOR PRUCE TEA PARTY OVER
One of those corrupted island man guard from one of those poorass countries
On one site they’re saying the NSC has confirmed that there is no link between the prison break and the Purcell shooting, now we are here probing links? Which is it? Also I have not seen a single police unit or armed officer, day or not over the past 5 days so I’m not sure what response they are referring to.
Someone was paid a nice sum of money to look the other way.
Also interesting act that no one checks up on the prisoners for 12 hours! They must have gone home for a meal and a nap..
If the prisons were on Ms. Vanterpool portfoio, she would have been fired already. Pure fact.
But because prison management falls in the governor’s portfolio, he is over loooked and keeps his job, why?.
Meanwhile, there is no publiic out rge. Why is that?
@ Why is that et al… If it was on the hill man watch up there, his name would have been dragged all over the dam place by officers inside the prison and a lot of you who like to dis people and you know that. How come who in charge now not getting lamblasted? How freakin come?
For YEARS that prison was run like a 5 Star Resort and the prisoners allowed to do as they please. The inmates are allowed to wear designer clothes because this is the 1st prison I’ve seen where there’s no inate uniforms/outfit. And it’s not the 1st time that demon escaped but hopefully he will joint his boss and become worm food.
How is it possible that two(2) dangerous criminals could have:
1) Escaped the prison, and
2) Remain at large on an island with such a small population?
How is that possible?
Something is wrong…very wrong with that picture.
Seems to me that the RVIPF should as part of thier investigation find out what exactly happenned at that prison, and determine if there were any guards involved in their escape.
That’s imo is an important part of that puzzle.
Next, these people have to eat and sleep. Who is/are housing and feeding them? Whomeever they are, if these people are still on the island, needs to be arrested, thrown in the very same prison, and brought before a judge.
I simply don’t understand how all of this can be possible in such a small territory. This is larger than 2 men escaping. It would come as no surprise if others are involved in this beginning with possible enablers at the prison itself.
Does the prison have cameras,because this is easy to solve.Everyone on shift should be fired. Someone saw and heard something it’s a prison. You telling me that these family members phone can’t be check. These criminals be on Facebook so solving crime should be easy,but when crooked cops, DDP and sell out politicians,all laws are pushed aside
Can tell you it’s an inside job , obviously has connections but the blood money will come back to haunt them and their families / so all those who is enjoying their wealth from that blood money , had better make the most of it now ( KARMA ) is the great EQUALIZER and all who yuink thst they are untouchable will be in for a rude awakening sadly your family might innocent but they too will suffer for egat you have done to attain your WEALTH & STATUS IN SOCIETY , so prepare yourself for the CONSEQUENCES of your dirty deeds • even of you worship the devil, not even he can save you and your family / and YA’AL will be exposed and disgraced , sadly thats the facts, you can fool man , BUT YOU CANNOT FOOL GOD• ONLY GOD IS ” OMNIPOTENT “
Don’t stress guys we’ll see them at festivals or news years events. Our party Activites and scandalous events always attract criminals. They’ll prob be in some woman vehicle while she goes and bring back rum and weed while enjoying the festivities lol
Then we will blame police for why them ain found yet but all them time is the people in our very community aiding them and hiding them lmfao. Classic BVI luv
Jose was on the run for 4 years. You really think a wanted man with no job survive on his own for 4 years? Make it make sense. Don’t forget that woman that was locked up with him for hiding him.
Y’all need to watch y’all neighbours and scorn criminals activity and the scorn the women and men who love to chase fast life and love gun man and bad man ..
make them feel like fools when they show interest or behaviour indicating that.
Peer pressure is good. Won’t work on all but it will have on effect on the ones who have sense. Some of the woman got the logical thinking of toddler .
Then when them end up sing mother by the criminals papas either by reckless death or getting card by a whole deck they will pass on their poor life decisions and nasty behaviours unto their kids.
That’s why we go so much minors dressed half naked and showing so much skin especially at festivals and night life outings.
That’s why we got dudes selling sex drugs to minors / school kids.
That’s why we got ghetto woman pulling gun on other women a few years back at night clubs..
That’s why we got so much young single mothers , no ring on them finger but they celebrating baby shower with thugs as the baby daddy then a few months to years later than father ain no where to be found. Most cases by time the baby shower reach the father not there lmfao don’t break up done gone. Wild mehson
That’s why we got so much highschool students and highschool dropouts in gangs and committing robberies and getting guns.
The young boys and girls get raised my mother’s or father’s or participate or are attracted to fast life and criminals, guns, badman etc then they those same morals and values are passed on to the young boys and young girls then they end becoming worst versions of their parents especially if their parents endorsed their behaviour (i.e parents getting mad at eshs when their kids are blamed for bad behaviour and bringing drugs and weapons to school) when those kids get big (some don’t even need to reach adulthood they start from early teens) they will become enablers to crime and menace’s to society and their own parents then everyone will blame police and cry out for police cuz police cause that
There’s literally a 13 yes old in jail for killing a fireman over a female!! Y’all need to wake up!
Young boys ain even hit 20 yet in jail for gun crimes! A young boys was arrested in juve for handgun he had on him and he sees ntn wrong with that! Why cuz y’all glorified it and enable that nonsense. You have song blasting all over bragging about him talking and killing opps. Women and young girls helping and assisting gunman,drugman and bad man and breeding for them!
This thing has been festering for awhile and soon the good men and women of this country will be outnumbered by the reckless immoral people of the country thanks to young women having no morals values or self respect and young men having no morals values, self respect and no strong male role models.
Watch some the young adults who come preaching to the youths as well . Them preaching to them but got on big gold chain. But check them socials and them on fast boat shaking them backside, but then got blunt in them mouth or seen smoking in public, but them dressing just like the typical criminal sagging pants chains attracted to minors and promiscuous the same women and men you may bring to speak to the youths to denounce crime and fast life and party life are the same ones who entertain and enable that life check them socials!! Check them friend group!! Check them dress code when out of work!!! Their actions will tell on themselves and the young people will see that and know it’s nonsense!!
watch who y’all bringing to talk to the youths cuz them speaking with two tongues!
Now u changed your words yesterday u was saying that didn’t had anything to do with it, I was saying the police said that because they help let them out ,my God
There is no connection there. Do your jobs and stop fishing uselessly.
Perfect timng…Trump and associates are all tuned in to the underground activities. In close proximity to the USVI,it’s borders,harbors and Airports,these BVI no doubt is a close watch and scrutiny by the US and their weapons of destruction are in the neighborhood,land,sea,sky,airwaves.
These BVI are right in line for what has long been overdue and well deserved.
Lucy to a degree the United Kingdom has some say in our affairs. Lucifer is having his say in the I Independent and self Governing Druglands with which we are handinGloves. These places are the featured favorites of BVI’s imported and installed crimnal fixtures of illegal drug activities. Daylight comin’