PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten (KPSM) — The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested one suspect and confiscated a firearm following a police operation connected to a suspected attempted robbery in the Philipsburg area on Friday, August 28, 2026.
At approximately 10:00 a.m., the Police Central Dispatch received information from members of the public regarding two scooters carrying four male individuals, all reportedly dressed in black, traveling from the French Quarter area in the direction of Philipsburg.
Shortly after receiving the information, several police patrols and detective personnel were immediately dispatched to the Philipsburg area. Officers subsequently observed the two scooters, with the suspects onboard, entering the town area. The suspects reportedly stopped near a well-known business establishment on Front Street.
For reasons that are still under investigation, the suspects fled the area before any suspected criminal act could be carried out.
KPSM officers immediately activated and executed the established strategic measures aimed at preventing robberies and other criminal activities in the Philipsburg area. Officers positioned on the outskirts of Philipsburg later observed the suspects leaving the town area and traveling in the direction of Sucker Garden.
During the subsequent pursuit, officers successfully stopped one of the scooters carrying two suspects. The suspects traveling on the second scooter managed to escape and fled in the direction of the French side of the island.
One suspect, identified by the initials J.P.D., was arrested during the operation. A firearm was also confiscated in connection with the arrest. The scooter and firearm were confiscated and transported to the police station, along with the suspect, for further investigation.
A second suspect who was involved in the incident fled from the location and ran into nearby bushes in the Sucker Garden area. Police are searching for this individual. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
KPSM takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to the members of the public whose timely information contributed significantly to the police response and operation. The Police Force of Sint Maarten continues to encourage the community to remain alert and to report suspicious situations or activities to the police.
Together, we can help fight and prevent crime on Sint Maarten. “See Something, Say Something.”
