Police, on a routine stop and search operation on Sunday February 7th, 2021, uncovered a loaded glock pistol and charged one man in relation to its seizure.
Officers of the Armed Response Team on patrol in the Fat Hog’s Bay area stopped the driver of a vehicle with excessive tint on its windows. After notifying the driver of the law as it relates to illegal tints, a search was executed and the firearm was found in driver’s front pants pocket with 12 rounds of ammunition.
Charged with carrying an unlicensed firearm and illegal tinting is Dabari Jonique Mercer, 26, of Baughers Bay.
This firearm seizure and arrest comes after Police recorded a second robbery of an establishment in a little over a week. Two masked man, one carrying a firearm, entered the Island Sizzle in Baughers Bay on Saturday around 8pm and approached two employees. One of the perpetrators grabbed the cash register at the bar, a chain from one patron’s neck seated at the bar and purse from an employee and fled the scene at the rear of the establishment. No injuries were reported.
Similarly, a week prior, two armed men entered the De la Santa’s Bakery and Restaurant in Sea Cows Bay around 8:45pm. One of the men jumped over the counter and took a quantity of cash from the register.
The men then made their way to Charles Chill Bar and pointed a firearm at two patrons. The assailants both fled the scene with cash and jewelry taken from the two patrons, a cash pan from the bar and the cashier’s handbag. No one was injured in the incident.
Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews said the continued use of illegal firearms in the territory will be met with a robust response from the Force.
“Whilst at this time no links can be made between the firearm recovered yesterday and the recent robberies, potential suspects will include anyone found carrying illegal firearms. Your sons, nephews, your neighbours might tell you that they keep a gun for protection. Don’t be fooled. What starts wrong will end wrong, and often end in tragedy as has been seen in very recent events. Possessing a firearm without a license is against the law. Participating in criminal acts after that will be easier. Neighbours and family members must make a concerted effort to report illegal firearms and contact Police when they suspect someone has one,” he said.
Detectives are interested in any information that could help in identifying the perpetrators of the recent robberies. Persons with information are asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit directly at 368-9339.