PHILIPSBURG--The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested three people and recovered a firearm during an early morning operation in Philipsburg on July 31.
"This is part of KPSM's continued efforts to combat the illegal possession of firearms and reduce firearm-related violence on the island," KPSM stated in a press release.
According to the release, at about 1:10am, the Central Police Dispatch received information regarding two males, both dressed entirely in black clothing, who were reportedly loitering in the area of several closed food stalls located at Walter Plantz Square on Front Street. In response to the report, several police patrols were dispatched to the location.
"Upon arrival, officers observed two males dressed in black clothing together with one female standing near one of the closed food stalls. As officers approached, one of the male suspects immediately fled toward the rear of the stalls," said the police. "One of the responding officers pursued the suspect on foot. The suspect was soon located behind one of the stalls and was taken into custody."
During a subsequent search of the immediate area, officers discovered a firearm concealed underneath a garbage bin. The weapon was immediately recovered.
"Based on the circumstances surrounding the incident, all three individuals were arrested for violations of the Firearms Ordinance. The arrested suspects have been identified by their initials as A.A.C., S.A.E. and D.S.H," it was stated in the release.
The two male suspects are known to law enforcement, as both have previously been arrested for offenses involving the illegal possession of firearms. All three suspects were transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where they remain in custody pending further investigation.
"The recovered firearm has been confiscated for forensic examination. The investigation into this incident remains ongoing," added KPSM. "The removal of illegal weapons from the streets continues to be one of the force's highest operational priorities in ensuring the safety and security of the community."
