One armed robbery suspect was arrested while the other remains at large; the vehicle used in the armed robbery was abandoned during a pursuit in Simpson Bay after the robbery took place in the Maho area on September 25.
MAHO/SIMPSON BAY--St. Maarten Police Force KPSM arrested a suspect on Friday, September 25, following an attempted armed robbery in the MAHO area. KPSM received a report that two people walking in the area had been approached by two armed men. The suspects allegedly searched the victims for money before fleeing in a vehicle after the victims raised the alarm and began making noise.
Responding patrols spotted a vehicle shortly afterwards that matched the description provided by the victims. Police followed the vehicle and with assistance from additional units, attempted to stop it. The occupants eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot in the Simpson Bay area towards the beach. Officers continued the pursuit and apprehended one of the suspects, identified by the initials I.L.A., a short time later.
Police searched the surrounding area for the second suspect but were unable to locate him. The vehicle believed to have been used in the incident was seized, while a firearm was also confiscated for further investigation. I.L.A. was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft by means of violence. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify and locate the second suspect.
KPSM is asking anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the outstanding suspect to contact police at 542-2222. Information can also be provided anonymously through the police tip line at 9300. KPSM said the possession and use of firearms in connection with criminal activity is taken seriously and that persons involved in armed criminal activities may face prosecution and legal consequences.
