Brazen daylight shooting in Grace Bay leaves man dead –

Armed men and police shootout in Dock Yard

Police in the Turks and Caicos Islands are investigating a brazen daytime shooting in Grace Bay, which has left one man dead.

The piercing sounds of bullets ringing out in the heart of Grace Bay, sent visitors and residents in the vicinity of Seven Stars Hotel and Resort scampering to safety, shortly after 2 pm on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023.

The execution-style murder in TCI’s bustling tourist district is believed to be a targeted gangrelated attack on the individual who was killed, according to the Commissioner of Police Mr Trevor Botting.

Botting who condemned the murder of the male victim whose identity has not been released up to press time, described the bold attack as “shocking and highly concerning”, in a statement issued a day after the incident.

He said: “This murder was targeted against the man who died and is, we believe, linked to gangrelated serious crime, motivated by revenge and retribution.

He added that this is the twelfth murder for 2023, with the majority of these deaths being linked to gang and serious crime activity.

Shortly after the incident in Grace Bay, the RTCIPF were summoned to the Dock Yard area where a group of armed men suspected to be involved in the shooting were spotted.

Upon responding to the report, officers were subjected to sustained gunfire from the men who were armed with automatic weapons, the Police Commissioner said.

He said: “In order to protect themselves, the police officers also discharged their firearms.

“ It is not known if any persons were injured as a result of the exchange although I can say that due to the protection afforded by the armoured vehicle, no police officers were injured in this cowardly attack on our law enforcement.

“Very soon after this event, the second RTCIPF armoured vehicle also deployed to Dock Yard and the armed gang members dispersed.”

Increased Police Presence

In an attempt to push back against the upsurge in gun-related crime, Commissioner Botting said the Police Force is ramping up its visibility across Providenciales.

“I also remain concerned that further shootings will be carried out between gangs of young men involved in organised gang activity, motivated by drugs, guns, and retaliation.

“ For this reason, the RTCIPF is on high alert and is undertaking robust operations in our communities, on our roads, and through intelligence-led targeted operations to locate and bring to justice those seeking to cause harm and fear across the TCI.”

He emphasized that the Force remains committed and resolute in keeping communities in the TCI safe.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Government investment in policing have led to the purchase of two armoured vehicles to protect police officers from reckless and violent individuals as we chase them down and chase them down, we will.

“We have more tactical officers than in 2022, specialists who are well-trained and equipped to tackle the threats we are facing.

“I remain grateful to the Hon Premier and his government for their support of the work of Policing across the TCI.”

He warned criminals that threats and attempts on the lives of police officers, will not be taken lightly.

He said: “You need to know the reality, if you threaten a police officer with a firearm, you must expect to be challenged and your threat will be met with potentially lethal force.

“In the days ahead, you will see more police officers on the streets,

The lifeless body of a man who was gunned down in Grace Bay- (unknown photographer) in your communities, and carrying out policing operations on the roads and in neighbourhoods.

“ Please ensure that if you are around this operational policing, do not threaten officers and comply with any instructions given, this will help officers do their job.

“One other way that you can assist is to ensure that your vehicle is properly registered, displaying number plates, and that your window tints do not exceed the legal limits. Officers will be checking non-compliant vehicles and whilst you may end up with a fine, you must also expect to be challenged robustly when officers stop you.”

He reminded residents that criminals often use cars that are heavily tinted and have no registration plates to carry out their malicious activities.

Botting further appealed to residents to law-abiding residents in Dock Yard to report to the Police any information about the individuals.

He said: “ Tell us where they are living and who they are, you don't need to leave your name, just tell us what you know, and we will deal with the fear and harm they are creating within the community.

“Our young men on the TCI are dying needlessly through senseless violence. This matter is under active investigation, and I am asking you, our community, to tell us what you know about this and other serious crimes.

“You can do this in a number of ways and if you wish to stay anonymous, you can use Crimestoppers to tell us what you know. You don't need to leave your name and the information will be passed to us.”

The wider public is being asked to provide any photographs or videos to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force along with any information they may have regarding this murder or other criminal activity.