PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, February 9th, 2017 police continued with their general controls as was published in social media and local newspapers last week. One of these general controls was held between 08.00 p.m. and 12.00 a.m. on different locations on the Dutch side of the island including the round-a-bout at the Grand Marche Supermarket in Cul-de–sac. During the general control at this location, a total of 46 vehicles were stopped and controlled.
These controls led to the arrest of three men with initials H.R.P. (26), J.J.A (21) and J.H.A. (19) for the possession a substantial amount of marijuana that was found in the vehicle the suspects were driving in at the time of the control. The marihuana was found by the Justice K-9 Unit after they were called in to assist in the search. The suspects in question were all arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remained in custody for further investigation. The vehicle and the marijuana were also confiscated for further investigation.
As the controls continued at approximately 10.30 p.m. at that same location, two police officers taking part in the controls were intentionally driven into by two vehicles driven by unknown persons who, for whatever reason, did not want to be stopped by police. The officers in question gave the drivers of the vehicles a timely and noticeable stop sign and directed them where they should bring their vehicle to a stop to be controlled.
These drivers, however, did not adhere to the stop sign and other instructions given by the police officers but instead increased the speed of their vehicles and drove directly at the officers obligating them to jump out of the away to avoid being run over.
A similar incident took place in Low Lands on Saturday February 11th during another general traffic control, at which time a motorcycle rider diced that he was not going to be stopped by police and intentionally rode his motorcycle at very high speed at the officer who gave him a stop sign but, had to jump aside to avoid be ran over.
The behavior of these two drivers and motorcycle rider is totally unacceptable by the police. The actions that these persons have chosen to take to avoid being stopped by police is a criminal act. If these officers did not jump out of the way there is a great possibility that they could have been seriously injured or even lost their life. An investigation into who these two drivers and motorcycle rider were is ongoing. Once these persons have been identified they will be arrested and charged.
The police are informing the entire community that they will “NOT” accept and “NOT” be intimidated by this type of aggressive criminal behavior and “WILL NOT STOP” in carrying out their duties. These controls, as a matter of fact, will continue to intensify. The police are here to serve and protect the community of Sint Maarten. The community is therefore asked to give their fullest cooperation during these controls which are to the benefit of everyone.
KPSM Press Release
\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPolice continue general controls / serious warning to community.
"
