Philipsburg: ---- Gendarmes has released two of the suspects they arrested on Tuesday night, they are Valeska Simmons and Xavier Williams who would have to appear in court at a later date. Commandant Loic Barras said the two were released late Wednesday. In the meantime, the two main suspects Garvin Baptiste and Michael Hassel were handed over to authorities on the Dutch side since they are wanted on that side of the island in several armed robbery cases.
Asked what would happen to the investigation on the crimes committed on the French side of the island. Barras said they would all have to appear in court on September 10 2009.
He further explained that two of the suspects are wanted for more serious crimes on the Dutch side. The two were being questioned by the Armed Robbery Unit late yesterday afternoon. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard in an invited comment said that the suspects were being questioned by the Dutch Police. He said up to press time he could not say what crimes the two suspects were suspected of committing.
In an invited comment Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed they are interested in speaking to the two persons mentioned. Stein did not divulge any details on the investigation.
Gendarmes arrested the four on Tuesday night after they were caught in a stolen truck in Belle Plaine. Inside the vehicle authorities also found a number of stolen items as well as ammunition.
The gendarmes are also calling on the owners of at least two stolen items to make contact with them so that they can claim their belongings. One of the items is a SABRE carrying the inscription "SCIABOLA DEL SOMMELIER" while the other one has the name "Chante". Possible owners of the items can contact the gendarmerie by calling 17.