The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force charged two men last night in relation to last Saturday’s robbery of House of Luxury jewelry store at Cyril B. Romney Pier Park.

Charged for robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense are Shamul Mitchell, 35, of Sand Box Road and Jelani Marquis, 27, of Hannahs Estate. Both will appear before the Magistrate’s Court at the next available sitting.

Last Tuesday, Acting Commissioner St. Clair Amory said that while no details could be disclosed, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Department were making steady progress in their investigations into the robbery.

“It is very difficult to resist the temptation to respond and defend the Force when those in the community give commentary on its actions or inactions. However, compiling the necessary evidence to charge perpetrators of gun crimes takes time and requires a great deal more effort. In these types of investigations, unfortunately, the least said, the better for us,” he said. He noted his gratitude to the officers for the long hours and dedicated teamwork and the assistance of members of community that brought about these arrests.

Last Saturday at around 2pm, officers were called to the scene of an armed robbery at Pier Park. Employees of the store reported that two armed masked individuals entered the store dressed in all white and removed several pieces of jewelry from the showcases. Both fled the scene toward the parking lot with a quantity of the store’s merchandise. The value of the stolen items is undetermined at this time.

One of the perpetrator’s discharged a firearm while outside the compound, however no injuries were reported.