Two Arrested After Glock Firearms Seized
Police arrested two people after a routine stop of a red Kia Soul led to the seizure of two unlicensed Glock handguns. The arrests come amid a string of recent gun-related incidents across the territory that have heightened public concern.
Police have arrested two people after officers searching a red Kia Soul uncovered two unlicensed Glock handguns, multiple sources familiar with the matter said. According to those sources, law enforcement were initially called to an incident in the area but the primary suspect was gone on arrival.
While continuing routine patrols and investigating the earlier report, officers stopped the red Kia Soul and conducted a search that produced the firearms. Two occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. No injuries were reported during the search. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has not released the names of those arrested or their charges at this time.
Investigations are continuing as officers seek to determine the origin of the weapons and any links to other criminal activity. The seizure and arrests follow a worrying series of gun-related incidents across the Territory in recent weeks. On October 7 local reports said at least four heavily armed masked men approached patrons outside a bar in Baughers Bay the previous evening.
Also on October 7, a masked man believed to be armed attempted to break into a home in Meyers Estate but was foiled, with police on patrol intervening. Earlier in October, during the early hours of October 4, armed men entered a popular bar near Tortola Pier Park in Road Town and robbed patrons.
A 24-year-old man, Jevonte Barnes, was shot and treated at the Dr D. On September 25, three armed masked men reportedly robbed guests at a birthday party in Mount Healthy. Police have repeatedly urged members of the public to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for armed crimes.
Authorities say community tips are vital to preventing further violence and to locating illegal firearms and those who use them. Residents concerned about safety are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the police. The force has said it will release further updates as its enquiries progress.
This arrest follows ongoing patrols and targeted stops by the police as part of efforts to reduce gun violence and restore public confidence in safety across the British Virgin Islands.
Primary source: VINO