Simpson Bay:--- An early Sunday morning shooting has left one person dead. The shooting took place shortly after 9am Sunday morning by Robbie’s Lottery located at La Palapa building in Simpson Bay. Persons on the scene said the victim that was shot dead seems to be an employee working for Robbie’s Lottery and he apparently got shot while trying to open the business place. However, that could not be confirmed by anyone. SMN News further learnt that the victim is of Latino decent.
SMN News contacted Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson for confirmation on the shooting, Henson who was on the scene of the shooting said “I am not giving you any information. I am now gathering information as I am on the scene and hung up his telephone.”
Crime on St. Maarten have been escalating almost every week there are one or two shootings, armed robberies have become rampant on St. Maarten and while all of this is affecting the economy of St. Maarten. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson believes hiding or suppressing information from media personnel’s would lower the spate of crime occurring on St. Maarten. Henson is paid extra to work and serve as a police spokesman but he is hardly reachable while news of importance is hidden. Several times when Henson is contacted he would say "I am with my family, I need to rest also and I am not giving the media information after 7pm." SMN News informed the management of KPSM several times on the lack of communication from the Police Force on St. Maarten but so far nothing has been done about Henson's performance on the job.
On Sunday afternoon Members of Parliament forming the new coalition took yet another swipe at caretaker Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson on the amount of shootings on St. Maarten, one which claimed the life of a police officer. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said its clear that the policy the Minister has on crime fighting is not effective. While Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams admonished the caretaker Minister who did not attend a Central Commitee meeting last Wednesday where he was supposed to present the plan he recently created to combat crime on St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said this is not the first time people are being gunned down in broad daylight. She said early Sunday morning persons walking the streets in Simpson Bay had to run for shelter when several gunshots were fired in broad daylight claiming the life of yet another person.
Man shot dead in Simpson Bay
Several police patrols, detectives, forensic department and paramedics were sent to Simpson Bay in the vicinity of Simpson Bay Real Estate and Robbie’s Lottery located in the La Palapa Building Complex for a shooting which took place on Sunday October 18th at approximately 09.10 a.m. The first call came in to the Central Dispatch informing them of several gun shots were fired and one man was shot. The patrols immediately closed off the area and diverted traffic so the Forensic Department could collect evidence and Detectives could speak to witnesses. The victim who had been fatally wounded by gun shots was pronounced dead by Doctor Douglas who came to the scene. The identity of the victim has not yet been officially been released. The reason for this shooting and who is responsible for this act is still very unclear. The detectives are questioning witnesses and gathering other information to try to piece together what actually happened. As more information becomes available the media will be informed. The police department is asking anyone who may have information concerning this case to call the tip line #9300 or tel: 54-22222.
KPSM Police Report
