Machete Allegedly Brandished During Disturbance at RiteWay
A video circulated online showing security restraining an unruly customer at the RiteWay Pasea store has been followed by a police update that a machete was allegedly brandished during the dispute and one weapon was recovered. The RTW Group said no one was injured and staff and security de-escalated the situation; investigations by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force remain ongoing.
A disturbance at the RiteWay Pasea store that was captured on video and shared widely on social media has taken a sharper turn after police confirmed a weapon was involved. The incident, which footage suggests occurred near the deli counter, shows store security restraining a man who appeared to approach a deli staff member aggressively.
The clip — first reported and published online by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) — also captured shoppers' reactions, with some watching closely while others continued shopping; one woman is seen calmly sorting cabbages amid the commotion. The RTW Group of Companies, which operates the Pasea store, issued a statement on May 27, 2026, saying it was aware of the circulating footage and reassuring the public that "following an incident at our store yesterday involving a customer dispute, all customers and staff members are safe and no injuries were reported." The company thanked on-site security, staff and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) for their response and said its team acted swiftly to de-escalate the situation.
On May 28, 2026, the RVIPF provided an update in a press statement confirming officers had responded to reports of a disturbance at the business establishment and that there were reports of a weapon involved. "Preliminary investigations indicate that an altercation occurred between two men, during which a machete was allegedly brandished," the police said.
The statement added that "one weapon" was recovered and that investigations into the matter are ongoing. Police also reiterated that no injuries were reported. The RVIPF update is the first public confirmation from police about a weapon being involved; earlier media requests for further details had not been answered.
It remains unclear from the statements whether any arrests or charges have been made at this time, as the RVIPF described the matter as under investigation. Local residents are reminded that such incidents can escalate quickly in busy retail spaces and to prioritise personal safety.
Authorities and businesses increasingly rely on trained staff, on-site security and prompt police response to manage conflicts and prevent injury. RTW stressed that the safety and well-being of customers and team members remain its highest priority. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force or RiteWay Pasea management.
As of publication, the RVIPF described its findings as preliminary and said it will release more information as investigations continue.
Primary source: VINO