On the scene the patrols learnt, that a family from Canada visiting the island, were walking along the Long Wall road in the direction of Great bay Hotel. The family was busy taking pictures of the area. At that same time the man with initials S.R.D. who later turned out to be the suspect, was driving in his jeep suspected that his picture had been taken by this tourist family.
The suspect stepped out of his jeep and approached the victims. An exchange between the suspect and the male victim with initials I.A.M.F. According to witnesses the suspect then intentionally struck the victim with fist in his face. As a result of this blow, the victim was knocked unconscious and fell to the ground. The daughter with initials J.E.F.( victim number 2) who saw what went on tried to defend her father, but she to was dealt a fist in her face, as a result of which she suffered a busted upper lip. The suspect S.R.D. was arrested in connection with this case and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains for further investigation. The victims were treated on the spot by paramedics and then taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. In the hospital the male victim had to be admitted to the I.C.U. because of the seriousness of his condition.
The police department has later also learnt that the male victim because of his worsening medical condition, would probably have to be flown abroad, to seek more specialized medical attention.
