Crime
Monday Morning Attempted Bank Robbery foiled by victim, but we still haven’t heard from TCI Police
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, May 27, 2022 – Four days on and there has still been no official report and no announcement of arrests in the case of a wild, wild, west alleged attempted armed robbery in the vicinity of CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank on Leeward Highway in Providenciales.
Officials have allowed speculation to lead the narrative of this disturbing crime which happened at the start of the work week and work day on Monday May 23.
We still don’t know at this hour whether it was an armed robbery ambush thwarted by an alert, quick thinking business man but we do know that the gun shots fired by alleged assailants were so powerful that people living in Kew Town heard the blast off of bullets. Customers said it made the entire bank building shake.
Police officer Lauralee Jagroop confirmed that indeed shots were fired but nothing more; that was Monday morning.
The bank was barely opened, just minutes after 9am and already, it seems, an armed robbery was in train.
Residents who were stood outside the bank waiting to enter for service, ran inside out of fear at the frightening scene playing out just feet away from them. That’s what we were told by a person inside when the shots rang out.
It is said a company cash deposit was on the way to the bank, when the carrier of it noticed a vehicle approaching head on in the wrong direction. A voice note, widely circulated on social media explained the people in that threatening vehicle were masked and the man being targetted got suspicious and tried to get away.
He tried to dart past the suspicious vehicle and that’s when shots were recklessly fired after his car, shattering the
rear windshield, the employee with the cash plowed through the median in a desperate attempt to escape but was somehow injured and turned up at hospital.
Our news organization was told he was admitted. It was never reported that someone was injured, how severely and whether the individual was hit was a bullet. We also enquired at the TCI Hospitals.
Residents had a variety of reactions after the news was posted. A church pastor offered up a prayer for heavenly intervention and strategies to beat back the crime wave; another called for police to be stationed at all of the banks in Provo permanently, there are only four of them and another hoped for a thorough investigation so the culprits could be caught due to reliable, compelling evidence.
The bank was closed temporarily, the CIBC FirstCaribbean parking lot turned to a crime scene.
CIBC FirstCaribbean, like everyone else in the case offered no comment on the alleged crime to the general public and its customers.
Crime
Acting Police Commissioner, Rodney Adams issues statement on Jouvly Inelus and gruesome photo of his dead body
Turks and Caicos – For the past three months, Jouvly Inelus has been wanted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) in connection with firearm-related offences, including homicides and robberies. Earlier this morning, officers from the Serious Crime Unit received forensic confirmation that the body found yesterday (September 30) is that of 32-year-old Mr Inelus, a resident of Blue Hills. This remains an active investigation, and the RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr Inelus’ relatives and all families that lost their loved ones to violent crime.
Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams issues the following statement: “At around 11:12 p.m., officers received information and proceeded to a bushy area in Miracle Close, Blue Hills. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of a male dressed in a black jersey and black basketball pants with what appeared to be gunshot and other injuries.
“Mr. Inelus had been evading the police for the past three months. Despite the challenges, the RT&CIPF remained relentless in their pursuit of leads and conducted joint operations across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) with the assistance of local and regional partners.
“We wish to thank Crime Stoppers and also express gratitude to the members of the public who acted in the best interest of the TCI. The police force remains committed to pursuing anyone who seeks to cause instability in the islands while ensuring the safety and security of all communities.”
In a direct message to the youth, Acting Commissioner Adams said, “I am pleading with the young men—put down your guns and preserve your life and the lives of others. Crime does not pay and only leads downhill. Many opportunities are available, and the RT&CIPF is launching a mentorship program to support and guide the youth. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this initiative.”
The RT&CIPF is also aware of a photograph on social media of the victim’s body. The circulation of such imagery is appalling and demonstrates a complete lack of respect. We urge the public to refrain from viewing and sharing material of this nature.
The RT&CIPF calls on anyone with information regarding illegal activities to contact the nearest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
Turks and Caicos, October 8, 2024 – On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, Eagle Legal News learned that the man shot on September 27 in an apparent ambush in Snake Hill has now died, bringing the country’s murder rate to a record setting high.
The man, who had been medically evacuated to Jamaica for further hospital care was shot along with the late, former TCI Police officer, PAULCIUS LOUITES VEREUS.
Vereus was recorded as the 34th murder in 2024 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Here is the police report from the incident:
Blue Hills resident FRANCIUS PIERRE, has succumbed to gunshot injuries.
Pierre, 41, was shot on September 27 while at a location at Stammers Run, Snake Hill. The Police Control Room had received calls indicating gunshots were heard at around 8:35 pm.
Police and medical personnel arrived and found two males, Mr. Pierre and Paulcius Louites Vereus.
Mr Vereus was unresponsive.
Head of Crime, Safeguarding, Public Protection and Intelligence Superintendent Dean Holden said, “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Pierre, who succumbed to injuries this morning while undergoing medical treatment in Jamaica.
The Serious Crime Unit officers are continuing investigations and will leave no stone unturned as we actively pursue leads obtained.”
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 8477 to provide any information anonymously. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
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