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17-year-old slapped with firearm, ammo & robbery charges

- Acting CoP Vanterpool concerned about youths engaged in gun-related crime
The AR-15 rifle and STRIBOG Semi-Automatic Pistol recovered by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). A minor has been charged. Photo: RVIPF
Police said thirty-five rounds of 5.56 ammunition and eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered. Photo: RVIPF
Police said thirty-five rounds of 5.56 ammunition and eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered. Photo: RVIPF
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has expressed concern over the increasing involvement of minors and young adults in serious criminal activity. Photo: VINO/File
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has expressed concern over the increasing involvement of minors and young adults in serious criminal activity. Photo: VINO/File
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has formally charged a 17-year-old male in connection with a series of recent robberies. Photo: VINO/File
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has formally charged a 17-year-old male in connection with a series of recent robberies. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has formally charged a 17-year-old male in connection with a series of recent robberies.

The accused was charged with two counts of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, three counts of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Put Another in Fear.

The RVIPF stated in a press release on March 6, 2025, that the arrest follows ongoing police investigations into a string of robberies over the weekend, during which an AR-15 rifle, a STRIBOG Semi-Automatic Pistol, thirty-five rounds of 5.56 ammunition and eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered.

Police said the remaining persons arrested were discharged from police custody.

'Deeply troubling'

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool expressed concern over the increasing involvement of minors and young adults in serious criminal activity.

"The frequency with which we are seeing young individuals entangled in gun-related crime is deeply troubling. This trend is not only a threat to public safety but a stark reminder of the urgent need for community intervention. We must work together—law enforcement, families, and community leaders—to steer our young people away from crime and toward positive opportunities."

The RVIPF urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or criminal behaviour.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800 8477 or overseas to (284) 800-8477.

12 Responses to “17-year-old slapped with firearm, ammo & robbery charges”

  • ftg (06/03/2025, 15:33) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    free you
  • Fam (06/03/2025, 15:46) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Jacky is doing a great job
  • U- ALL PLAYING GAMES (06/03/2025, 15:48) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    with these young punks , it's the same punks who is allowed to do as they like on scooters , like drive-bys / wheelies / or car rentals to do their lawlessness , and when they are caught , you all still protecting their identity - THATS WHY THEY REALLY THINK THAT THEY ARE REALLY ENTITLED , AS THEY ARE TOLD BY THEIR PARENTS , SO WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE ARE YOU SENDING ,❓️???? ( STREET JUSTICE ❓️???? / as another blogger say " CASTRATE " these bastards look at his age , and what he chooses to do • AND SOME ARE CARRYING AK- 47 / AR - 25 RIFLES ETC , THEN THEIR PARENTS ARE GOING TO BE HOLLERING ~ OH , HE'S A NICE CHILD , HE DIDN'T MEAN TO HURT ANYBODY OR THEM ISLAND PEOPLE POLICE HARASSING THEIR HOLY KIDS / SOON THEM SAME HOLY CRACKHEADS WILL TURN ON THEIR OWN PARENTS , SOME OF WHO ARE UPHOLDERS AND PARTAKE OF THE BOOTY ???????????????? untill they run into the wrong persons , then it's the same old chorus my child is very nice and respectful , yeah RITE / some of them done got BRAGGING RIGHTS ON THE STREETS
  • 2024 (06/03/2025, 15:50) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    are these young people British Overseas Territory Citizens

    do these young people reside in their own apartments

  • Whoa (06/03/2025, 16:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems like almost all these firearms out there are high-powered. Evil in Tola walking around with these life-snatchers? Mercy!
  • .... (06/03/2025, 16:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    publish names and pics , almost legal.
  • james (06/03/2025, 16:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Could popular games like Fortnite and violent movies and music be contributing factors?
  • Nicky (06/03/2025, 16:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Follow the link,the gov are protecting some of these individual because they are friends behind close doors.
  • Bree (06/03/2025, 17:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What war he is fighting. How did a seventeen-year-old manage to obtain such weaponry? Parents, parents please take the time to talk with your children about lifestyles choices. It may appear that this is the way to go but the truth is, it only leads to the destructions. Please young people look around, you can see the results of your decision even before you do the action. You are not the first, many have tried and have lost his battle, they are either in jail or in the grave. Please think on your future. I can assure a life of crime does not pay.
  • Gun town (06/03/2025, 17:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Then, let’s bring in Kartle and his friends, who hype them up even more. We are a two-sided community—many of you don’t want to get kicked out of the “cool kid” club. But we all know there are more pressing issues affecting our community. Strong policing will be needed March 15th, crime will be up extra.
  • @ 2024 (06/03/2025, 17:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    YES WHERE ARE YOU LIVING ❓️ THE LADY WHO WAS SHOT IN HER OWN HOME BY YOUNG PEOPLE ,WHO WAS ROBBING TO PAY FOR THEIR ( APPARTMET ) / YOU EVEN WROTE THE ARTICLE ON IT RECENTLY , HEY WIGO ARE YOU GETTING AMNESIA ❓️ YOU ARE
    SO TAKEN UP ON WRITING HATRED , & RACISM AND BLOGGING TO WHAT YOU WROTE , THAT YOU
    ARE LOSING CONTROL OF OF YOURSELF , ( SEEK THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND ) NO OFFENCE


  • Ukraine (06/03/2025, 18:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You can send those guns and ammo.


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