PHILIPSBURG--Armed bandits stormed Jump-Up Casino last night during the busy bingo hour and demanded cash from the cashiers, while threatening the people inside. An off-duty police officer in the establishment noticed what was going on and opened fire on one of the robbers, who died subsequently as a result of gunshot wounds.
The incident took place at 12:15am and police patrols, detectives and paramedics were sent to casino located on Emmaplein to investigate the attempted armed robbery. Two employees were also shot during the crossfire between the robbers and the off-duty officer.
Police spokesman Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson said on Wednesday morning that they learned that four armed men dressed in black clothing had stormed into the casino threatening everyone including the employees to hand over the money.
“While attempting to rob the establishment, shots were fired by the robbers. An off-duty police officer who at the time of the incident was inside the casino returned fire, hitting one of the robbers. The other robbers noticing what had happened fled the scene leaving the injured robber behind.
“As a result in the exchange of gunfire, two employees of the casino had also been shot. Both employees were treated on the scene by paramedics and transported to St. Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The robber that was injured was also treated on the scene by paramedics, however he did not survive and was pronounced dead on the scene. The identity of this robber has not yet been established,” said Henson.
Detectives were at the casino interviewing witnesses to the incident while Forensic investigators collected evidence.
