Philipsburg:--- Reacting quickly to reports that was broadcasting through the police radio commissioner of Police Carl John and Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson along with an off duty police officer managed to intercept a bandit who had just broken into a home on Back Street on Thursday morning. A press release from the police department states that the Chief Inspector Henson and commissioner of Police Carl John were driving on Long Wall road when they heard of the house break in on Back Street. According to the press release at least three suspects were involved in the break in but one of the suspects was seen running away at the entrance of Back Street.
The other two suspects managed to escape somewhere in the vicinity of Radio Shack. The officers chased the suspect on foot through the nearby alleys, but while running he was continuously pushing his hand under his shirt. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson who also participated in the chase said they ordered the suspect to stop on several occasions but he refused to adhere to police orders, as such police had to take action by shooting the suspect in his right leg. When police searched the suspect whose identity was not released they found a bag on him with 33 wrist watches of different brands and several pieces of jewelry belonging to the victim of the house. The suspect was treated on the scene and was subsequently transferred to the St. Maarten Medical Center where he remains a patient. Henson said the investigation has just begun and they are supposed to be making more arrests as the investigation continues.
The community of St. Maarten as well as law enforcement officers are left to wonder how the parents of at least four local youths could harbor their children with stolen items at their homes. A situation that calls for outrage since these very parents accused police of brutalizing their children during the carnival season. Adding insult to injury these youths it is said are constantly telling police that they are innocent and have not been committing any crimes. Police acted on a tip off on Thursday and they searched two homes in Down Street area while they arrested four persons all of whom are minors.
Participating in the searches were the chief public prosecutor Hans Mos and the acting judge of the court of first instance.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said in connection with several ongoing investigations by the detective department based on important information provided by some concerned citizens' two houses were searched. During the search police confiscated a sawed off shotgun, a revolver, two cars, several scooters, motorcycles, flat screen television, and other electrical appliances and monies.
Those arrested are all locals and minors and have been identified as C.R., R.St. J., A.T., and G.C. The police spokesman said the investigations are in its early stages and that the suspects were turned over to the detective department. The police also commended the concerned citizens who provided them with valuable information into solving the cases that are currently being investigated.
The police department has issued a warning to all residents residing on St. Maarten to take the necessary precaution as they have stepped up their controls to reduce the current crime rate. Henson said the police will be blocking off certain areas every night and if necessary they would be searching all homes of suspected bandits or criminals. The police spokesman also reminds residents that law enforcement officers on the both sides of the island are currently working together to weed out criminals. Parents who harbor their children that are committing crimes and whose homes are found to have stolen items will also be prosecuted.
In the meantime on Thursday night the police, fire department and the health department blocked off the AT Illidge Road from Madame Estate to the Round About as they control all businesses located on that street. Henson said several persons were detained as the control took place. Another section of St. Maarten will be closed off later Thursday night as the controls continue.
