Despite ongoing police operations across the territory this week, two men accused of serious crimes are still on the loose after they escaped from His Majesty’s Prison on Saturday evening, officials said.
Thirty-seven-year-old Jose Almestica and 27-year-old John Burgos, both citizens of the United States Virgin Islands, escaped the facility between 6:30 and 9 p.m., HMP Superintendent Jay Kendall said early Sunday morning in a press release.
“Upon confirmation of the escape, the Prison Service immediately initiated established emergency protocols,” according to the release. “The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been notified and is leading the active search to locate and apprehend the individuals.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Kendall added, all ports of entry and exit were placed on heightened alert, and regional law-enforcement partners were notified.
“The security of the territory and the protection of the public are our highest priorities,” he said. “A full incident response is under way, supported by the police and partner agencies.”
He added that the prison is also conducting an internal review into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
“The public is urged not to approach these individuals and to report any sightings or information immediately to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force,” he said.
Police manhunt
Police responded shortly after the escape.
“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,” acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said Sunday. “We are working to systematically restrict their movement within and out of the territory.”
The police said they had also contacted their counterparts in the USVI and taken steps to bolster security at all ports of entry, private docks and other areas that could serve as a departure point.
“Vehicle checkpoints, roadblock operations and mobile patrols continue today will be advanced as necessary,” they said in a Sunday press release.
Their Marine Unit, they added, was also patrolling the territory’s waters.
Ms. Vanterpool urged residents to “remain aware of their surroundings” and to notify police of anything suspicious.
Yesterday, police gave an update on their operations.
“Over the past 24 hours, officers have conducted a series of high-visibility patrols and stop-and-check operations aimed at deterring criminal activity and reinforcing public safety,” they said in a statement. “These efforts have led to the recovery of two firearms and the arrest of three males.”
Police did not provide further information on the arrests or name the suspects.
Alleged crimes
Both escaped inmates have been accused of serious crimes.
In July, a High Court jury found Mr. Almestica guilty on narcotics and firearms charges following a three-week trial linked to a record seizure of 20 guns, nearly 500 kilograms of cocaine, and other contraband that police said they found at a Ballast Bay residence in 2021.
In August 2022, he was also charged with the murder of Deverson Williams, who was shot to death in broad daylight on a public road in Fish Bay in March 2021, police said at the time.
The escape is not Mr. Almestica’s first: He was among dozens of inmates who left the Balsam Ghut prison following Hurricane Irma in 2017. Most of the prisoners later returned, but he stayed on the lam until his arrest in 2021.
Mr. Burgos was charged in 2023 with unlawful possession of firearms and drugs.
Security council
With the men still at large this week, the National Security Council convened a special meeting Monday afternoon under the chairmanship Governor Daniel Pruce, who is responsible for the territory’s overall security and shares direct responsibility for the prison with the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
During the meeting, the council met with Mr. Kendall as well as HSD Minister Vincent Wheatley and HSD Permanent Secretary Tasha Bertie to discuss the prison break, according to a Monday statement from the NSC.
Members also received updates on the ongoing investigations and search efforts from Mr. Kendall and Ms. Vanterpool.
“Emanating from those updates were several agreed actions to strengthen security measures at HM Prison, increase police presence in key areas, enhance inter-agency coordination, and intensify the ongoing manhunt for the escaped inmates by ensuring close collaboration with regional and international law enforcement partners to secure the safe recapture of the escapees,” the statement noted.
Purcell shooting
The NSC also condemned the shooting reported in Purcell Estate on Sunday but said it had been assured that the incident was not connected to the prison escape.
The council urged anyone with information on the prison break to call the police directly or through the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS).
Besides the governor, the NSC includes the premier, the communications and works minister, the attorney general, and the police commissioner. The Cabinet secretary facilitates the conduct of its business.
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