Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

3 arrested & 2 firearms recovered in stop & search operations this week- RVIPF

- said security has been heightened in VI
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has conducted a series of high-visibility patrols and stop-and-check operations over the past 24 hours, which have generated results. Photo: RVIPF
The police recovered two firearms and arrested 3 males on the night of October 28, 2025. Photo: RVIPF/File
The police recovered two firearms and arrested 3 males on the night of October 28, 2025. Photo: RVIPF/File
High-profile prisoners Jose Almestica (left) and John M. Burgos (right) escaped from His Majesty's Prison (HMP) on October 25, 2025, and remain at large. Photo: RVIPF
High-profile prisoners Jose Almestica (left) and John M. Burgos (right) escaped from His Majesty's Prison (HMP) on October 25, 2025, and remain at large. Photo: RVIPF
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has conducted a series of high-visibility patrols and stop-and-check operations over the past 24 hours, which have generated results.

On Tuesday night, police recovered two firearms and arrested 3 males, a press release from the RVIPF said on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Further information relating to the arrested individuals has not been released. 

Response to an uptick in crime

The police engaged in these operations in efforts to deter criminal activity and reinforce public safety following “a recent uptick in robberies and the escape of two dangerous inmates from His Majesty’s Prison”.

High-profile prisoners Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos escaped from His Majesty's Prison (HMP) on October 25, 2025, and remain at large. 

“The RVIPF remains fully engaged in both the ongoing manhunt and in tackling the recent spate of robberies. Our officers are working around the clock to disrupt criminal activity, recover illegal weapons, and ensure that residents feel safe in their communities,” Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said. 

Public cooperation is important

The RVIPF, she said, continues to rely on the public’s cooperation as the police bring offenders to justice. 

In the release, the police urged residents once again not to approach the escaped prisoners, but to contact police immediately at 368-9339, 311 or through Crimestoppers at 800-8477, if seen or if they have any information regarding their whereabouts.

Residents are also encouraged to remain vigilant, secure homes and properties, refrain from leaving keys in vehicles, and ensure that all vehicles are properly locked at all times.

The RVIPF, the statement concluded, continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all communities across the Virgin Islands.

20 Responses to “3 arrested & 2 firearms recovered in stop & search operations this week- RVIPF”

  • one eye rooster (30/10/2025, 09:31) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    GOOD THREE MORE JOINED THOSE BOTTOM SNIFFERS UP BALO HOOD REDDIM
  • Only on we street man (30/10/2025, 10:23) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    How come they are not putting pressure on guards up ballo?
  • Macky (30/10/2025, 11:24) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    You gotta be a real criminal to be riding dirty during a crime wave. That being said, since we brought this inconvenience on ourselves. Let the stop & searches continue until moral improves.
  • Maria Louisa Varlack (30/10/2025, 11:44) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    In 1968 when I was born; 57 almost 60 years ago, no such incident occurred in the BVI. What has become of a small, tiny, peaceful and quiet fishing village?
    • Marty Probasco (30/10/2025, 15:16) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      Oh Please. In 1968 there were shootings in Tortola
      • 004 (30/10/2025, 18:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Domestic. People know they can come here and organize. Word of mouth is like a wild fire.
    • @MLV (30/10/2025, 16:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You were a baby in 1968, how do you know there were no such incidents? Lets make the BVI a small, peaceful fishing village again.
    • 003 (30/10/2025, 18:01) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      Outside influence. Not homegrown.
      • @003 (31/10/2025, 08:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Evryting dat happen hay at home iz ida homegrown, invited or allowed.
    • Long ago (31/10/2025, 06:02) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Long ago it didn’t have a lot of things. With development comes good and bad. Unfortunately, the BVI’s third pillar is under attack and these are the repercussions.
  • justice (30/10/2025, 12:03) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Post pictures let the public see who these men are know who live amongst
  • stt Thomas (30/10/2025, 12:21) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    okay just keep fulling up the over crowded prison . find another method of punishment locking them up don't solve the issue. Border control. Who bring the drugs and gun. There is no proper rehab. it other countries the prisoners complete a whole degree. Governor you are a waste.

  • lk (30/10/2025, 12:32) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Some thing isn't adding up two inmate that sound like a plan to me any how that prison is a joke the blind man can see that
  • Þ (30/10/2025, 12:55) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Commissioner where are your officer starting from east the only time you see them i don't know if thay are cross guard or police officer one at the school and at the center in road town none thay could kill you at that cross walk next vanterpoool you have to run don't talk about the paking corlwood need to come back on the seen i don't care what no one say
  • WOW (30/10/2025, 14:11) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    The security, police,all up at the prison are in on it. This will be unsolved like the rest. Not one but two people. Who snuck in the tools so they can break out
  • oops (30/10/2025, 16:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I sure they will get bail inspite of all those gun crime taking place
  • @ wow (30/10/2025, 16:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many things come to mind / a key can be given to those two dudes along with the info on when to make the move / there had to be someone outside with a ride to pick them up / we already had people who were taking care of pappy JOSE , now so much other things can be involved here / if he didn't ORCHESTRATED his escape and is now free to take out justice on whoever cause him to get caught , or whatever / OR if it was done by someone else who he was becoming , to be a threat to the smooth functioning of their drug business , both of them may of been taken for a swim with some sharks , as the man on the streets say , there is a lot more going on here behind the scenes than meets the eye , ( perhaps ) csc the " psychic " can shed some light on what really went down , , but he seems to be Quiet on this , so maybe somebody put a band aid on his flaps
  • Hear we go again (30/10/2025, 19:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Catch and release


Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit comment
Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.