Marigot:--- The office of the Lt. Governor and the Public Prosecutor's Office has decided that they need to implement the Zero Tolerance Policy after several incidents were reported on the opening night of carnival. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the decision had to be taken to avoid the negative impact violent behavior can cause to the island. The Zero tolerance policy will be in effect for the entire season and anyone who makes themselves guilty of any public violence and related criminal activity would be held for investigation until the end of the season.Police was called just after midnight on Thursday for an apparent drive by shooting incident which took place in the Down Street area.
Henson said several persons who were frighten after hearing several gunshots called police. According to information the police patrol and detectives received is that several young men, while walking in the Down street area, were suddenly shot at for no apparent reason, by an unknown person or persons driving by in a white car.
The persons responsible for the firing at least three shots and the license plate of the suspect car could not be determined, because at the time of the shooting, the intended victims fled for cover.During a further investigation, the detectives noticed that a private car, parked on the side of the street was hit by at least two shots.
Both shots in the left rear-door of the vehicle. One shattering the glass window of the door and the other penetrating the door. The Forensic Department. Was called in to do an investigation. The damaged vehicle with was also confiscated for further investigation. The detectives are still investigating this matter to determine exactly who committed this act and why.
Also during the opening of carnival a gang fight took place where shots were fired and several machetes were confiscated.
Henson said just about 08.00 p.m. the Jump-up for the official opening of carnival season for 2009 left the Rauol Illidge Complex in Cay Hill with its destination Festival Center (Carnival Village). On the route to the festival Center several fights took place, however the police immediately intervened and handled the situation without any incidents. However as the parade neared the Festival Center on the Walter Nisbet road a major fight/confrontation between two large group of rival youngsters and or gangs broke out. The situation at some point became un-controllable when the police tried to break-up this fight. The police on the scene found themselves in a very threatening situation as these group of youngster turned on them in a very aggressive manner. To gain control of the situation of the situation the police saw it necessary to fire three warning shots in the air. Shortly after the situation calmed down and the jump-up continued on to the Festival Center. No one was arrested in connection with this case. However at around 11.30 p.m. in the vicinity of the Soualiga Road-About, police received information about three young men carrying machetes hidden under their clothing. In connection with this case three young men with initials J.J.S., J.D.B. and L.A.E. from Sint Maarten were searched by police and three large machetes were found and confiscated. They stated that they carried these machetes for protection. All three young men were arrested on the spot an taken to the police station for further investigation.