Police impersonators conduct fake raids

~ One man shot by fake cops ~

PHILIPSBURG–Detectives have their hands full at the moment investigating two incidents involving two men dressed as police officers knocking on the doors of homes and conducting fake raids. One man was seriously injured as a result of these actions by the unknown men.

Police are still trying to piece together what took place, but The Daily Herald understands that two men dressed in T-shirts with the word “Police” printed on them knocked on a door at a home in Guana Bay on Saturday and ordered the person(s) to open the door. When they opened the door, the men assaulted the person and took valuables from the home. The victim was taken to St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment.

Marini “Addict” Nunes (35) was shot by these culprits on Sunday morning. Reports suggest that the two men dressed in police T-shirts arrived at the local businessman’s home and knocked on the door indicating that they were police officers.

Nunes had been convicted of a gun threat by the Court of First Instance on Wednesday. He saw that the men were not police and a brief shootout took place between him and the men. He was shot and the men managed to flee from his home on Back Street.

Acting police spokesman Inspector Steven Carty informed this newspaper that he was awaiting the full report from detectives dealing with the cases and would give more details when they became available on Monday.

Community Police Officers warned persons in their districts by sending out Whatsapp messages warning not to immediately open the door when persons claiming to be police officers come knocking. The CPOs noted that police officers are always dressed in their blue uniforms. Residents are urged to ask the officers to identify themselves and to verify the information given by calling 911.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/61419-police-impersonators-conduct-fake-raids