DATE: 2016-07-30
Country Name: Grenada
Location Detail: Grenada Hog Island
Event: Assault
Stolen Items:
Secured: N/A
Details: At about 1700 a male cruiser left his wife aboard and took his dog by dinghy for a walk on the east end of Hog Island. After a short while he was met by 3 English speaking men and was greeted in a friendly manner, he continued the walk. After about 20 minutes he began his return to the dinghy and encountered a family of 5, who played with the dog for a few minutes. Continuing the walk, and almost back to the dinghy he encountered the same 3 men, who invited him to join them. When the cruiser did so, one of the men, the Primary Perpetrator, (PP) produced a small handgun, pointed it at him, and demanded that the cruiser dinghy them out to the yacht, stating that the cruiser, the family of 5, and the dog would all be killed if the cruiser refused, and that the 3 would then go to the vessel (where the cruiser’s wife had remained).
At approximately 1800, the cruiser transported 2 of the perpetrators, (PP) and a 2nd Perpetrator, (2P) to the anchored yacht, where the PP demanded that the cruising couple haul anchor and provide transport to Puerto Rico. The yacht’s engine had not functioned for several weeks, but PP demanded that the couple sail out of the bay and then to Puerto Rico. It was clear neither perpetrator had skills as a mariner. The couple complied, but the yacht became grounded while leaving the bay and was unable to proceed. The PP assaulted both the husband and wife as well as his accomplice, while showing signs of instability, sometimes mumbling and shouting incoherently at no one.
At approximately 1930 the PP forced the wife and his accomplice into the dinghy, indicating that he would hold the wife hostage until the husband freed the yacht and they were able to proceed to Puerto Rico. The dinghy was then taken to the mainland of Grenada, landing in the area of Fort Jeudy (approx. 1.5 miles away). PP forced the wife and his accomplice to proceed to an unoccupied home with him. Over the next several hours, PP continued to assault both the wife and his accomplice (2P).
At approximately 2330, PP forced the wife and 2P to return to the dinghy, and attempted to return to the yacht. On approach, the presence of other vessels engaged in assisting the husband with the stranded yacht discouraged PP from re-boarding and hijacking the yacht. They returned to shore, PP and 2P eventually departed, and the wife was able to return by dinghy to the yacht at about 0100, July 31.
Those assisting the yacht were then informed of the circumstances and authorities were summoned, and the Grenada Coast Guard arrived promptly to provide assistance. They remained with the yacht overnight, while the couple received medical treatment, which is ongoing. The yacht has been refloated, but was damaged.
The primary perpetrator (PP) has been identified and is being sought by the local police.
CSSN NOTE: This report is classified as second hand, we would like to thank the close friends in direct contact with the victims who provided the report on their behalf.
CSSN UPDATE: August 5, 2016 – CSSN has confirmed that Grenada police have taken 2 men into custody, those thought to be the Primary Perpetrator (PP) , and the Second Perpetrator (2P). It is not known when formal charges will be made.
CSSN UPDATE: August 11, 2016 – Local News source MTV NEWS Grenada reports that multiple charges have been filed jointly against the two men believed to be the Primary Perpetrator (PP) Toobooi Timothy Williams, and the Second Perpetrator (2P) Irvin Thomas. The two are charged with multiple offenses carried out across the island. Court dates have been set in 3 courts for later in August. Details of the MTV report are available here:
https://www.facebook.com/mtvnewsgd/posts/867781053366326:0?__mref=message_bubble