PHILIPSBURG:--- At approximately 3:00 PM on December 28, 2025, officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) responded to an armed robbery in the Kimsha Beach area. According to initial reports, two suspects in a white vehicle, identified by a specific license plate, threatened a victim at gunpoint and violently stole his scooter.
Following the incident, KPSM launched an island-wide manhunt with the assistance of a specialized team and detective personnel. Investigative efforts revealed that the stolen scooter had been transported to the French side of the island, where the second suspect had fled with the vehicle.
Simultaneously, officers pursued leads that directed them to the Dutch Quarter area. There, they located and arrested the first suspect, who had been driving the white car. During the arrest, authorities also recovered a firearm in the suspect’s possession. The individual, identified by the initials J.A.B., is a known offender currently under court-ordered monitoring with an ankle bracelet due to prior offenses. Notably, J.A.B. was previously arrested as a minor for involvement in a serious crime in the Belvedere area several years ago. He is now in custody at the police station as the investigation continues.
The Sint Maarten Police Force has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on armed violence in the community. KPSM teams remain committed to pursuing criminals and will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those involved in serious crimes that threaten public safety.
KPSM urges anyone with information about this incident or who may have witnessed the robbery to come forward. Contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 (721) 554-2222 or use the anonymous tip line at 9300.