The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has formally charged a 17-year-old male in connection with a series of recent robberies. The accused was charged with:
• Two counts of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Three counts of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
• Robbery
• Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Put Another in Fear
This arrest follows ongoing police investigations into a string of robberies over the weekend, during which an AR-15 rifle, a STRIBOG Semi-Automatic Pistol, thirty-five rounds of 5.56 ammunition and eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered. The remaining persons arrested were discharged from police custody.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool expressed concern over the increasing involvement of minors and young adults in serious criminal activity stating,
“The frequency with which we are seeing young individuals entangled in gun-related crime is deeply troubling. This trend is not only a threat to public safety but a stark reminder of the urgent need for community intervention. We must work together—law enforcement, families, and community leaders—to steer our young people away from crime and toward positive opportunities.”
The RVIPF urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or criminal behaviour. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or overseas to (284) 800-8477.