A suspected gang member from Five Cays, Providenciales, has been formally charged under the Anti-Gang Ordinance following an investigation by detectives from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF).
Carlos Usher Higgs, 20, faces multiple serious charges linked to an incident that occurred on Friday, September 21, 2024. The charges are as follows:
· One count of Gang Membership, contrary to Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Gang Ordinance.
· One count of Robbery.
· One count of Kidnapping.
· One count of Possession of Imitation Firearm.
These charges mark a significant step in law enforcement efforts to curb gang-related violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Anti-Gang Ordinance was introduced to give law enforcement more tools to tackle rising gang violence. Authorities have been working to dismantle criminal networks that pose serious threats to community safety. The inclusion of a gang membership charge is a clear indication that the RTCIPF is targeting the root of organized criminal activity.
Higgs is currently in police custody, awaiting a court date. His arrest and the charges laid against him underscore the government's commitment to cracking down on gang-related crime and violence in areas across the Turks and Caicos.
The alleged involvement of Higgs in gang activity, as well as serious crimes such as robbery and kidnapping, adds to growing concerns about safety in certain districts. Five Cays has been a focal point for law enforcement, and this latest arrest is part of an ongoing strategy to disrupt the operations of local gangs and reduce violence.
The use of an imitation firearm in the incident has raised further alarm, as it demonstrates the willingness of suspected criminals to use intimidation tactics that endanger public safety. The RTCIPF continues to urge the community to come forward with any information that could assist in the fight against organized crime.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said it is taking a hard stance against gang involvement, following its mandate to enforce the Anti-Gang Ordinance and other related laws.
The community has been asked to remain vigilant and cooperate with police investigations as law enforcement continues its efforts to make neighborhoods safer. The authorities are especially focused on ensuring that young people are steered away from gang culture and provided with alternatives to a life of crime.
Comments