~ Detained suspect identified ~
PHILIPSBURG--A US $10,000 reward is being offered for “valuable” information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect who escaped the scene of the shooting of bike patrol Police Officer Gamali “Benji” Benjamin, who was responding to a robbery in progress on Wednesday.
One of the suspects in the case was shot and caught, but the second suspect escaped. The Police Force and Prosecutor’s Office said in a joint press release on Thursday that the suspect who had been caught had been identified as a 23-year-old man with the initials R.D. He was operated on and is presently recuperating from two gunshot wounds – one in his stomach and one in his left leg – at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). His medical condition is not life-threatening.
Authorities searched his residence in the Sucker Garden area. Many items that are valuable to the investigation were found during the search and confiscated, the release said.
The investigating team is searching for the second suspect, who fled the scene on foot. He is of dark complexion, between 17 and 20 years old, slim, and was wearing dark sneakers, short white socks, a brown T-shirt and shorts at the time of his escape. His hair is short, but with one braid with transparent white beads which the suspect wears on the left side of his head.
Authorities said there was a possibility that this suspect could be slightly injured. Witnesses said one of the suspects had been seen limping while fleeing directly after the robbery.
The Prosecutor’s Office and the Police Force urge the public to assist in this investigation by sharing any information they have that could shed more light on this case.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly anyone or any business who might have taken pictures or video images of the incident or have images of or information about the possible second suspect fleeing the scene, is urged to contact the Detective Department via telephone number 586-8052.
In the meantime, a “Multi-Disciplinary Investigation Team” consisting of members of the Federal Detectives (“Landsrecherche”); Recherche Samenwerking Team (RST) and the Police Force has been formed to handle this “very sensitive investigation.”
Authorities said it was common that the Federal Detectives were involved in the investigation of cases where police have fired shots at a suspect. Also, law enforcement agencies are “more than willing” to assist in the investigation and the police can use the additional manpower.
