A late afternoon armed robbery attempt took place at Mr. Cool located on the Union Road near the French border.
COLE BAY--The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is actively investigating an armed robbery that occurred on July 29 at Mr. Cool on Union Road, a short distance from the French border. At about 3:00pm the Central Police Dispatch received several calls reporting an ongoing robbery at a business situated near the roundabout on Union Road.
In response, several police patrols and detectives were immediately dispatched to the location. The preliminary investigation indicated that three male suspects, all dressed in dark-colored clothing, arrived at the business in an older-model grey vehicle. Two of the suspects exited the vehicle and entered the establishment, while the third suspect remained inside the vehicle.
According to staff members, they spotted one of the suspects approaching the door on the business's CCTV cameras with a gun in his hand and managed to escape through the nearby office door before the suspect forced his way through the front door. Employees said that the suspect forced his way through and proceeded to jump over the counter. He then smashed the cash register into the ground, in an apparent attempt to force it open.
The employees said he exited the area behind the counter with the cash register before returning moments later to jump over the counter a second time to take an employee's personal belongings. All the while, his accomplice tried to kick down the office door.
Shoe print placed on office door in attempt to break it down during armed robbery.
As he jumped over the counter the second time, he triggered the shutter system to close around the building, prompting the driver to leave the vehicle to prevent the shutters from closing. In his haste, he left the car in drive and it crawled its way into traffic on Union Road.
After assisting his accomplices, they fled the scene. Police arrived on the scene shortly afterwards.
Detectives and members of the Forensic Department processed the scene and have since launched an extensive investigation into the incident. At this stage, investigators are reviewing available evidence and following up on information received.
KPSM is appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist in identifying the suspects or the vehicle involved to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten by calling +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous Tip Line at 9300. Information can also be provided directly to the Detective Department.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten reminds the community that public cooperation remains vital in solving violent crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. The investigation into this armed robbery is ongoing. Further information will be released when it becomes available.
