Brandon Benjamin ID’d as Belle Vue teen gunman
Police Commissioner Mark Collins has described the recent spate of gun crimes and drug seizures in the territory as distressing and unsettling.
Collins shared that observation in a media release sent out by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) following the arrest of a teenage gunman recently. The gunman has since been identified as Brandon Benjamin, 18, of Belle Vue.
The youth was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, after being apprehended by officers while attempting to flee on a motor scooter in the Fort Hill area, Collins said.
According to the top cop, the arrest was a result of extended surveillance patrols conducted by his Armed Response Team which has taken steps to increase visibility and enhance safety in the community in recent weeks after a number of reported shootings.
The RVIPF disclosed that reports were made this week of shots fired in the Spooner’s Estate, Gene Hill, and Mount Healthy areas where several spent shells were also recovered.
Collins, in the meantime, said it was fortunate that no injuries were reported in any of those matters. However, he counted the reports as an indication that firearms are still in abundance in the streets of the territory.
The Police Commissioner also pointed to the recent murder of Kimo Lettsome in the Long Look community, which was the third such incident since the start of the year. Collins said Lettsome was gunned down in front of his grandmother’s home a little over a week ago in a cowardly and senseless act.
“This took place in a small community like Long Look at a time when people are out and about. This is distressing, to say the least,” Collins shared. “These events, along with the recent drug seizures and further arrests, are understandably unsettling.”
While making a public appeal for persons to continue to share information with the police on any persons known to be carrying or in possession of a firearm, Collins said everyone can work together to restore calm in the various communities.
He urged persons with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or the Crimestoppers Hotline number at 800-8477.
The youth was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, after being apprehended by officers while attempting to flee on a motor scooter in the Fort Hill area, Collins said.
According to the top cop, the arrest was a result of extended surveillance patrols conducted by his Armed Response Team which has taken steps to increase visibility and enhance safety in the community in recent weeks after a number of reported shootings.
The RVIPF disclosed that reports were made this week of shots fired in the Spooner’s Estate, Gene Hill, and Mount Healthy areas where several spent shells were also recovered.
Collins, in the meantime, said it was fortunate that no injuries were reported in any of those matters. However, he counted the reports as an indication that firearms are still in abundance in the streets of the territory.
The Police Commissioner also pointed to the recent murder of Kimo Lettsome in the Long Look community, which was the third such incident since the start of the year. Collins said Lettsome was gunned down in front of his grandmother’s home a little over a week ago in a cowardly and senseless act.
“This took place in a small community like Long Look at a time when people are out and about. This is distressing, to say the least,” Collins shared. “These events, along with the recent drug seizures and further arrests, are understandably unsettling.”
While making a public appeal for persons to continue to share information with the police on any persons known to be carrying or in possession of a firearm, Collins said everyone can work together to restore calm in the various communities.
He urged persons with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or the Crimestoppers Hotline number at 800-8477.
