French Cul de Sac:--- A shooting that took place at the Cul de Sac Bay where the annual Fish Day Event is held has left some five people injured. SMN News learnt that two of the victims died as a result of their wounds but that could not be confirmed by authorities.
Currently, ambulance personnel and the Gendarmes are at the scene investigating while persons from both sides of the island that are at the Cul de Sac Bay are scrambling to leave the location in fear for their lives. Captain of the Gendarmerie Sylvain Jouault confirmed to SMN News that a shooting has taken place at the Cul de Sac Bay where the Fish Day Event is held. Captain Jouault said he did not have details on the shooting as he and other law enforcement were on their way to the scene.
SMN News learnt that one of the victims is a man that sells natural juices around the island. The natural juice vendor SMN News understands lives in Agrement while another victim is a younger person from Chevries in French St. Martin, a third victim is said to be a Caucasian female whom it is understood was shot in her throat.
Deputy of French St. Martin Daniel Gibbs told SMN News that he was on the Bay when the shooting occurred. Deputy Gibbs said he was on the bay during the morning hours when the official ceremony took place. He said he left the bay and went home but returned later in the afternoon to enjoy the evening when the shooting took place. Gibbs said he did not see what transpired because his main objective was to get out of the area and to get home.
A resident of Cul de Sac said the 2013 Fish Day was the largest event ever. The resident who preferred to remain anonymous said there were about 20,000 people in attendance including several government officials from the Dutch side of the island. SMN News could not reach the Commandant or Captain of the Gendarmerie for further update Sunday evening. SMN News will bring you more information when it becomes available.\
Below is a Press Release from the Gendarmerie.
On 5 May, 2013 19:45, several shots were fired at the site of the "Fish Day" in Cul de Sac. A twenty year old was killed while 7 people were injured by gunshots in varying degrees, the prognosis is not limited to these seven people. The motivations of these shots are still to be determined as part of the investigation by the Gendarmerie. Anyone who can provide useful information in the investigation is asked to contact the research brigade of the Gendarmerie of St. Martin:
- By calling "17" or "05 90 52 30"
- Or in person at the police barracks in Savannah.
The identity of witnesses wishing anonymity will be preserved.
Gendarmes Press Release
