Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 11, 2016, 2015 (RSCNPF): The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is currently investigating a shooting incident in the Shadwell Estates area. The incident occurred about 8.10pm on Sunday (January 10).
Initial investigations have revealed, two males were shot by an unknown assailant while sitting with a group of persons on a verandah at a home in the area. The assailant fired several gunshots at the group, striking the victims. Both victims were transported to the J. N. France General Hospital by private vehicle and are being treated for injuries.
Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and Technicians from the Forensics Services Unit have canvassed the scene for evidence. The investigation is ongoing.
“We urge anyone with information in relation to this incident to please contact the Police, if you were in the Shadwell Estates area last night (Sunday 10) around 7.30pm to shortly after 8.00pm and may have seen any unusual activity, please call us. What you may have observed may be of great assistance”, said Assistant Commissioner of Police responsible for Criminal Investigations, Ian Queeley. The ACP appealed to public for their assistance by saying “This is the third such incident this year, three too many, and it will take the efforts of the Police, the community, all of us to rid our communities of this type of activity and ensure citizen safety and safe communities,” said ACP Queeley.
“We urge anyone with information that can assist the police in this crime, or any other crime to call any Police Station in the federation or Crime Stoppers, our confidential hotline, at 1-800-8477 to share information,” stressed ACP Queeley.
ONE PERSON ARRESTED AND CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH MA PAU ROBBERY
Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 9, 2016 (RSCNPF): One person has been charged in the early morning robbery of the Ma Pau Casino in Basseterre. The robbery occurred early Monday morning (January 4).
Arrested and charged is Eric Thompson of Ponds Pasture, Basseterre. Thompson is charged on four (4) Warrants in the First Instance for Armed Robbery. Charges were laid on Friday, (January 8). Thompson has been remanded at Her Majesty’s Prison.
Investigations have revealed that the property was robbed shortly after 7.00 am that morning and a large sum of cash was taken.
Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Criminal Investigations, Mr Ian Queeley said, “I first want to applaud the good work of all the officers working the case, their diligence and thoroughness moved this case forward. I also want to thank the public for the assistance they provided.” ACP Queeley added, “this is a great example of citizens coming forward and sharing what they know….doing that made a difference.”
Meanwhile one individual has been sentenced to 3 years hard labour in relation to the discovery and seizure of an illegal firearm during a stop and search operation on Sunday (January 3) in Basseterre.
Adrian Webster of Sandown Road, Newtown was one of two men in a vehicle stopped Sunday night during a ”stop and search” operation. Seized was one (1) M-12 automatic Pistol and 16 rounds of ammunition.
Webster took responsibility for the illegal firearm and charges were withdrawn against the other occupant.
Webster entered guilty pleas to the following charges: Possession of a Firearm; and Possession of Ammunition. He was sentenced to 3 years hard labour on each count, and the sentences will run concurrently.
The seizure of the weapon on Sunday was the first in 2016. The Police seized 21 illegal firearms in 2015.
Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Criminal Investigations said, “this seizure and conviction should send a strong message that the Police force will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to reduce crime and violent crime in our Federation. Removing illegal firearms from our communities is critical as we continue to ensure citizen safety.” ACP Queeley added, I urge our communities to partner with the Police, share any information you may have with about crime and criminal activity in your area. You can do so by calling any Police Station by calling Crime Stoppers the anonymous hotline at 1-800-8477(TIPS), to share any information.” “Let’s do this together, let 2016 be a year of partnership.”