Masked Men on Scooters Sought
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is appealing for information after two separate incidents involving masked men on scooters were reported on Tortola on Tuesday, October 7. An RVIPF press release on October 9 provided additional detail that a masked man in Meyers Estate fled on a scooter and brandished what appeared to be a firearm during a pursuit; investigators are reviewing CCTV and pursuing leads. Later the same night police responded to reports of gunfire in Baughers Bay involving four masked men on two scooters; no injuries were recorded and spent shell casings were recovered.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is asking the public for assistance after two separate incidents involving masked men on scooters were reported on Tortola on Tuesday, October 7. Shortly after 11:00 a.m., officers on patrol in the Meyers Estate area were alerted by a female resident to an attempted break-in at her home.
According to an RVIPF press release issued on October 9 and reported by local outlets, a male suspect wearing a mask fled the scene on a scooter when confronted. RVIPF officers immediately gave chase, and during the pursuit the suspect reportedly brandished what appeared to be a firearm before escaping the area.
Police say detectives are actively pursuing leads and are reviewing closed‑circuit television (CCTV) footage from the neighbourhood to identify and locate the suspect. The RVIPF statement, as reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), said officers remain committed to identifying and arresting the individual involved.
Later the same day, at about 11:40 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire in the Baughers Bay area. Preliminary findings indicate that four masked men arrived on two scooters and one person discharged a firearm before the group fled the scene. Investigators recovered spent shell casings and, so far, there have been no reports of injuries.
Police have also said there is currently no indication that a specific person or property was being targeted in that incident. VINO reported the gunfire occurred outside a bar in Baughers Bay. Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said the RVIPF has increased patrols in the affected neighbourhoods to reassure residents and deter further violence. "We are thankful that no one was harmed in these reckless and dangerous acts.
The RVIPF remains steadfast in its mission to protect the people of these Virgin Islands. Those who choose to endanger our communities with violence should know that we will pursue every lead and every piece of evidence until justice is served," Vanterpool said in a police statement quoted by local media.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about either incident to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at (284) 368-9339. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, from overseas, at (284) 800-8477. Police have reiterated that all information will be treated confidentially.
Residents are urged to secure their homes, report suspicious activity immediately, and preserve any CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone recordings that could help investigators. The RVIPF has encouraged neighbours to look out for one another and to contact police without delay if they see anything that could assist in identifying those responsible.
Primary source: JTV