Man Hospitalised After Purcell Estate Shooting; RVIPF
Reports of gunshots in Purcell Estate just before 9pm on Sunday led police to find a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds who was taken to Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed in a late-night press statement. Local outlets report the man was in a vehicle when it came under heavy gunfire and arrived at the hospital in a car with numerous bullet holes.
Reports of gunfire in the Purcell Estate area of Tortola were first received shortly before 9:00pm on Sunday, October 26, 2025, prompting officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to respond to the scene. Police said they located a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds and that he was transported to Dr D.
In a press statement released late last night the RVIPF confirmed one male was taken to the hospital with 'multiple gunshot wounds'. Local news outlet VINO reported that the victim was in a vehicle when it came under heavy gunfire. JTV (Jahphix Television) separately reported that the man arrived at the hospital on Sunday night in a car visibly riddled with bullet holes; it is not yet known whether he drove himself to the hospital or was brought there by someone else.
Images circulating on social media show a vehicle near the scene with numerous bullet impacts. The RVIPF has warned residents that material shared online is not always verified and urged people not to spread unconfirmed information that could hinder the ongoing investigation. Detectives remained at the scene processing evidence and speaking with witnesses on Monday, as officers work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Police say the investigation is active; no arrests have been made and no suspects or motive have yet been identified. Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the shooting or who may have dash-cam, CCTV, or other footage to come forward. The RVIPF encourages residents to report information directly to the police rather than sharing speculation online.
Tips can be provided confidentially by calling the RVIPF at 368-9339, dialling 311, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 800-8477 (TIPS) locally or 284-800-8477 from overseas. The Purcell Estate shooting comes amid rising community concern about gun violence and public safety across the British Virgin Islands.
In recent weeks the territory has seen a string of armed robberies, including a shooting at the Touch Down Bar in Road Town during which a young man was shot. The incident also follows the escape of two inmates from His Majesty's Prison in Balsam Ghut on Saturday night; both remain at large and their escape has heightened police activity and public anxiety.
The RVIPF has said further details will be provided as enquiries progress. Residents are advised to follow official police channels for verified updates and to remain vigilant. BVI Live will continue to monitor the situation and will publish updates when authorities release additional verified information.
Primary source: JTV