Mughshot of Jamari Benjamin. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Police on Saturday at around 9:34 a.m. responded to an armed robbery incident at the "Gold Corner", a jewelry store located on the St. Thomas waterfront, and at about 2:28 p.m. the same day arrested one of two suspects involved in the heist.
According to V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Toby Derima, upon officers' arrival to the store, employees said two masked men, dressed in all black, exited a white Suzuki Vitara armed with rifles. The suspects assaulted at least one employee and threatened others, according to the V.I.P.D. release. The suspects proceeded to break the showcases and took jewelry from the store before fleeing the area.
With the help of citizens on social media, V.I.P.D. launched a dragnet for the suspects, said Mr. Derima. During the course of the investigation, officers recovered ammunition, stolen jewelry, and other evidence related to the robbery.
At approximately 2:28 p.m., one of the suspects, 23-year-old Jamari Benjamin of Estate Nadir, was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, first-degree assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm, aiding and abetting, conspiracy, grand larceny, possession of stolen property, and disturbance of the peace. The investigation into the incident continues, said Mr. Derima.
St. Thomas/St. John Chief of Police Steven Phillip stated, “I commend my officers who followed leads in pursuit of those who committed this bold and brazen act. We will continue to investigate to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable for their criminal acts.”
The V.I.P.D. is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (340) 774-2211 extension 5610, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.
