Firearm seized after police chase in an operation to prevent possible robbery in Philipsburg.
PHILIPSBURG--Police arrested one suspect and seized a firearm following a suspected robbery attempt in Philipsburg on Friday morning, August 28. St. Maarten Police Force KPSM Central Dispatch received information from members of the public around 10:00am about two scooters carrying four men, reportedly dressed in black, travelling from French Quarter towards Philipsburg.
Several police patrols and detectives were dispatched to the area. Officers subsequently spotted the two scooters as they entered Philipsburg. The men reportedly stopped near a business on Front Street.
Police said the suspects fled the area before any criminal act could take place. Officers then activated measures aimed at preventing robberies and other criminal activity in the town. Police positioned around the outskirts of Philipsburg later spotted the group leaving the area in the direction of Sucker Garden.
A pursuit followed, during which officers managed to stop one of the scooters carrying two of the suspects. The two individuals travelling on the second scooter escaped and fled towards the French side.
One suspect, identified by the initials J.P.D., was arrested. A firearm was also seized during the operation. The scooter and firearm were taken to the police station as part of the ongoing investigation. A second suspect who had been involved in the incident reportedly fled from the area on foot and ran into nearby bushes in Sucker Garden. Police are continuing their search for this individual.
The circumstances surrounding the suspected robbery attempt remain under investigation. KPSM thanked members of the public who provided information that assisted officers in responding to the situation.
Police are again urging residents to report suspicious activity and reminded the public that timely information can assist officers in preventing criminal activity. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact KPSM.
