Three Arrested After Gun Found Baughers Bay
Three men were taken into custody on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm after a late-night police chase ended in Baughers Bay on October 28. A handgun was found where the driver was stopped; two other men from Pockwood Pond and Belle Vue were later arrested in connection with the weapon.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm after a late-night police operation ended in Baughers Bay earlier this week, BVI News reports. According to accounts reaching the newsroom, officers patrolling the Pasea roundabout on the night of October 28 observed a truck make an abrupt stop, execute a turnaround and drive away from the officers.
Police say they gave chase and eventually stopped the vehicle in the Baughers Bay area. The driver, a 30-year-old Baughers Bay resident, was detained and interrogated at the scene. A handgun was reportedly discovered in the area where the vehicle was stopped. Two other men — a 37-year-old resident of Pockwood Pond and a 36-year-old resident of Belle Vue — were later arrested in connection with the same firearm.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the arrests followed specific intelligence, nor have they detailed how the three men are connected to one another or to the weapon recovered. Police also have not disclosed whether charges have been filed, if bail has been granted, or when any court appearances might occur.
The arrests come amid growing public concern about gun-related incidents across the British Virgin Islands. In recent months local police and community leaders have highlighted an increase in shootings, robberies and violent offences, many involving younger people. Illegal firearms remain a central focus for law enforcement because of their role in escalating everyday disputes into deadly encounters.
Baughers Bay, Pockwood Pond and Belle Vue are residential communities on Tortola; incidents in these neighbourhoods often draw heightened attention because of their proximity to Road Town and other population centres. Residents told reporters they hope swift investigations will bring clarity and reassure communities affected by violent crime.
Police have continued to appeal to members of the public to provide information that could assist investigations and help remove illegal weapons from circulation. Investigations into the October 28 incident are ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force through the usual reporting channels.
BVI News will provide updates as further details and official statements become available.
Primary source: BVI News