Police Probe Purcell Robbery and Meyers Shooting
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is investigating two separate gun-related incidents on Tortola, including an armed robbery at a business in Purcell Estate and a shooting in Meyers. Detectives have conducted initial inquiries at the Purcell crime scene and are appealing for witnesses as efforts to trace the perpetrators continue.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched active investigations into two separate gun-related incidents on Tortola: an armed robbery at a commercial establishment in Purcell Estate and a shooting in Meyers that left a man injured with a suspected gunshot wound.
According to police reports, the robbery took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at a business located along Blackburn Highway in Purcell Estate. Two masked men dressed entirely in black entered the premises and demanded cash. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with what appeared to be a handgun.
The assailants removed cash from two separate registers before fleeing the premises on foot. No physical injuries were reported during the incident, though authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific name of the targeted store. Officers arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report and conducted initial inquiries.
While informal reports of the Purcell robbery had circulated over the weekend, official details were confirmed by the police in releases issued the following Tuesday, September 29. Detectives are now renewing appeals to anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or noticed suspicious activity in the Purcell Estate area around the time of the crime to come forward.
In a separate gun-related incident under investigation in Meyers, police were alerted after an injured man arrived at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital seeking treatment for a suspected gunshot wound. Initial findings indicate that the victim was near his residence when he was approached by two slim-built men dressed entirely in black.
A single gunshot was reportedly fired before the injured man made his way to the medical facility. Detectives are continuing to establish the full circumstances and motive behind that attack. Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger underscored the law enforcement agency's commitment to curbing violent crime across the Territory.
Ullger stated that the force treats all firearm-related offences with high priority, highlighting that officers have seized 18 illegal firearms since the beginning of the year. He noted that a specialized unit remains deployed to intercept illicit weapons, while police leadership collaborates with the National Security Council on pursuing tougher penalties for illegal gun possession.
The RVIPF is reminding business owners, staff, and residents across the Virgin Islands to maintain heightened vigilance and immediately report any suspicious behavior. Anyone with information regarding either the Purcell robbery or the Meyers shooting is urged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9512 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers BVI at 800-8477.
Police reiterated that all information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Primary source: Guavaberry