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RVIPF leading 'intense & comprehensive manhunt' for fugitives- Acting CoP

- Jose Almestica & John M. Burgos considered 'armed & dangerous'
Commissioner of Police (Ag) Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool has said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is leading an intense and comprehensive manhunt in collaboration with local and international agencies with the sole intention of finding fugitives, Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, and returning them to custody as swiftly as possible. Photo: VINO/File
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is leading an extensive, multi-agency manhunt to locate and apprehend the fugitives, Jose Almestica, 37 (left), and John M. Burgos, 27, who escaped His Majesty's Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut last evening, October 25, 2025. Photo: RVIPF
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is leading an extensive, multi-agency manhunt to locate and apprehend the fugitives, Jose Almestica, 37 (left), and John M. Burgos, 27, who escaped His Majesty's Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut last evening, October 25, 2025. Photo: RVIPF
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is leading an extensive, multi-agency manhunt to locate and apprehend the fugitives, Jose Almestica, 37, and John M. Burgos, 27, who escaped His Majesty's Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut last evening, October 25, 2025.

According to the RVIPF, the two men remain at large and are considered to be armed and dangerous.

Manhunt underway

Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Ms Jacqueline E. Vanterpool said in a press release, “We are leading an intense and comprehensive manhunt in collaboration with local and international agencies with the sole intention of finding these individuals and returning them to custody as swiftly as possible.

"We are working to systematically restrict their movement within and out of the Territory. Our priority is the Protection of the community and the safe apprehension of the escapees. Residents should remain aware of their surroundings and to report anything of concern.”

VIPD engaged

The RVIPF added that the [US]VI Police Department (VIPD) has been engaged and is actively taking the necessary steps to ensure agencies within the jurisdiction are on alert.

The RVIPF has taken steps to bolster security at all ports of entry, private docks, and any and all possible areas that may serve as a departure point. Vehicle checkpoints, roadblock operations and mobile patrols continue today will be advanced as necessary, according to the press release.

Motorists are asked to adhere to all instructions and guidance provided by officers on site.

The Marine Unit within the RVIPF, according to the press release, remains actively engaged in patrols throughout strategic locations within the Territory’s waters and law enforcement agencies in the USVI are prepared to begin similar operations within their jurisdiction.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force said it is fully committed to the swift apprehension of these fugitives and is actively engaging all available resources.

Residents are strongly advised not to approach these individuals.

"If you see these individuals, contact Police immediately at 368-9339, 311, or Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas," the RVIPF stated.

24 Responses to “RVIPF leading 'intense & comprehensive manhunt' for fugitives- Acting CoP”

  • one eye (26/10/2025, 13:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look dem Dey
    • Look into the Boat the Ferry Towed Last Week (26/10/2025, 18:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      That boat the ferry assisted towing (not implicating the ferry) might be involved somehow…look into it.
  • Call it what you like (26/10/2025, 13:40) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Someone got paid off to help those two escape.
  • Intense (26/10/2025, 14:01) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Intense search yeah right. I was in town and West End today, didn't see one cop.
  • DON'T WORRY (26/10/2025, 14:43) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    JUDGE WIGGIE SAID ONCE WE GOT RID OF THE EHITE COLONIALIST SLAVE MASTER COMMISSIONER WE WILL BE RIGHT , ,SO DON'T DIG NUTTIN / LETS WAIT AND SEE WHO HE BLAME NOW , OH BET , HE IS GOING TO BLAME THE GOVERNOR BY BLOGGING AND USING DIFFERENT NAMES WITH HIS USUAL RACIST SH*TTY LYRICS
  • Hum (26/10/2025, 15:04) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    same for me travel from trellis to carot bay
    NO COP, none
  • STT thoma (26/10/2025, 15:05) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Manhunt stupes police driving around where is the helicopter and drones
  • Sigh (26/10/2025, 15:20) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    So now Jackie has to clean up Kendall's mess?
  • Ominous (26/10/2025, 15:25) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    The officer that knows Almestica better than anyone is A/DCP D***s, but the A/CoP has moved him off operational duties because she sees him as a threat for the CoP job. For some, personal enhancement has become more important than catching criminals. Unless this changes more people will get shot!!
  • Drove around (26/10/2025, 15:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    They talking about the police is out trying to track them down HOW COME THE GHETTO BIRD AKA POLICE HELICOPTER IS NOT BUZZING IN THE SKY.
  • Bob (26/10/2025, 15:48) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Everyone of them prison guards needs to take a lie detector test .
  • Dem betta (26/10/2025, 16:01) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Find those two or we lookn @ mo robberies and m×××× no joke
  • 2024 (26/10/2025, 16:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    those folks probably done went; why would they want to escape to stay here, inside works

    always say enforcement is lacking in the territory because you hardly see police unless vehicles collide

    crime will be committed because there is no vigilant enforcement between point A to point B


    • 2017 (26/10/2025, 20:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      For the same reason that he stayed here when he first escaped in 2017.
  • one eye rooster (26/10/2025, 16:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    MaN hunt my @#$ not one cop in sight stop fooling the people governor get on it before members of the public take serious action vigilante justice armed and ready

  • ... (26/10/2025, 16:44) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    A place without prison uniforms.
  • ohhhh yes (26/10/2025, 17:45) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    they gah be looking 4 em on facebook or instagram not on tola streets tho
  • comical (26/10/2025, 17:58) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    The most comical manhunt in the history of violent prisoner manhunts
  • Heads need to roll (26/10/2025, 18:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Someone that works up in that prison got paid off to allow this escape to happen. I’m keeping it real here, I have security cameras and sensor lights and I am sleeping with my gun under my pillow and my pit bull
    at the foot of my bed. They trespass anywhere near my house I have to do what I have to do.
  • To all saying (26/10/2025, 18:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    They probably done left. Remember last time after hurricane one escape and was here in the bvi for years. Now less than 2 or 3 years after being recaptured he escape again.

    And you saying they gone. I believe they both right here still on the island.

    But the Smith guy has more connections here.
  • Grim (26/10/2025, 18:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ahhh yes, run little mouse, but the cries of a grieving mother echoes in God's ears. See you soon!
  • I THINK (26/10/2025, 19:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They are still on Island somewhere and someone is protecting and hiding them.This was well planned. If they dip over to the USVI they are going to run into ICE. ICE is all over the USVI and the mainland.


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