35-year-old Shamul Mitchell and 27-year-old Jelani Marquis have been charged in relation to the recent daylight robbery of the House of Luxury Jewelry Store at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park.
Police confirmed the arrests and charges in a media statement on Sunday, stating that two are charged with “robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense.”
On Saturday, July 1, around 2:00 p.m. officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) were alerted of the armed robbery.
“Employees of the store reported that two armed masked individuals entered the store dressed in all white and removed several pieces of jewelry from the showcases. Both fled the scene toward the parking lot with a quantity of the store’s merchandise. The value of the stolen items is undetermined at this time. One of the perpetrators discharged a firearm while outside the compound, however, no injuries were reported.” the RVIPF stated.
Acting Commissioner St. Clair Amory commended his officers for the long hours and dedicated teamwork that led to the breakthrough of the investigation.
He said none of it would have been possible without the assistance of those within the community who were forthcoming with information.
“It is very difficult to resist the temptation to respond and defend the Force when those in the community give commentary on its actions or inactions. However, compiling the necessary evidence to charge perpetrators of gun crimes takes time and requires a great deal more effort. In these types of investigations, unfortunately, the least said, the better for us,” Amory said.
Police continue to appeal to witnesses of the crime to come forward with any information.
“Several persons were around the Pier Park at the time of the incident. Those who witnessed the robbery are asked to provide any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Alternatively, persons can give this information anonymously to Crimestoppers at 800-8477,” the RVIPF stated.