PHILIPSBURG:--- Several police cars, detectives, the police dogs and other law enforcement officers rushed to the Pointe Blanche House of Detention around 3:30pm on Thursday in search of a gun.
SMN News learnt that police was called to the facility when members of the prison management team informed them that they got word that a gun was circulating inside of the prison. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that a search took place at the Pointe Blanche Prison. Henson said he does not know why the prison requested police help to conduct a search but as soon as he has more information he will make it available to the media. Henson further stated that someone was seriously injured after a fight broke out, the police spokesman said an ambulance was called and the injured prisoner was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
SMN News further learnt that after a thorough search by police and their dogs the illegal firearm was recovered. According to our sources the victim was seriously injured. Public Prosecutor Nanouk Lemmers said she could not confirm or deny the information SMN News received. Lemmers said that the police is still busy conducting their investigation and as soon as that is completed KPSM and the Public Prosecutors Office will make a joint statement on Friday.
Police assist prison during search/Prisoner seriously injured.
On Thursday September 10th, 2014 at approximately 3:30pm, the police department received an urgent call from the Point Blanche Prison requesting assistance in connection with a very serious altercation between inmates whereby one inmate was seriously wounded by another with a makeshift machete. According to the report a gun was involved in this altercation however no shots were fired. Numerous police officers, K-9 Unit and detectives were immediately sent to the prison in order to investigate what had taken place and to carry out a search to locate the firearm. On the scene the investigating officers located the victim with initials C.R. who was bleeding profusely from numerous severe cuts to his head and a serious stab wound to his back. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. During a search of the cell-blocks where the altercation took place by the K-9 unit two pistols were found. These pistols were both loaded and ready for use. The pistols were both confiscated for along with the makeshift machete for further investigation. So far one suspect has been arrested for the possession of an illegal firearm. More arrests are expected in connection with the ill-treatment as the investigation continues.
KPSM Press Release