Armed robbery in Purcell and shooting in Meyers under police investigation
The RVIPF is probing a masked armed robbery at a Blackburn Highway business and a separate shooting that sent a man to hospital. Witnesses are urged to come forward.
Two firearms incidents investigated by RVIPF across British Virgin Islands
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is pursuing two separate firearms-related investigations — an armed robbery at a business in Purcell and a reported shooting in Meyers — according to BVI News, which obtained press releases issued by the RVIPF on September 29.
The robbery took place on the evening of Friday, September 25, at a business along Blackburn Highway in the Purcell area. Police received a report shortly after 9:30 pm that two masked men, dressed entirely in black, had entered the premises and demanded cash. One of the suspects was reportedly carrying what appeared to be a handgun. The pair took cash from two registers before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported.
Officers attended and conducted initial enquiries. Detectives are now appealing for witnesses or anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area around that time to come forward.
In the Meyers case, police were alerted after an injured man presented himself at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital seeking medical attention. Initial information indicated he had been near his residence when two slim-built men, also dressed in black, approached him. One shot was reportedly fired before the man made his own way to hospital. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger addressed both cases publicly. "We take incidents involving firearms seriously. Our detectives are working to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible," he said. Ullger added an appeal directly to the public: "I urge anyone with information about this incident or suspicious activity in the Meyers area to come forward. Even the smallest detail could assist the investigation."
The two incidents come weeks after Ullger disclosed that 18 illegal firearms had been seized since the start of the year. He also confirmed that police are working with the National Security Council to explore increased sentences for firearm possession, and that a specialised team has been established to detect illegal weapons and bring offenders before the courts.
Police reminded business owners and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.
Anyone with information on either incident can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit on 368-9512, or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers BVI on 800-8477. The force confirmed all information received will be treated with strict confidence.
Source: BVI News