PHILIPSBURG–Police officer R.Y. was arrested on Sunday in connection with the fatal shooting of Akeem Isidora (22) during an altercation in Happy Estate, Belvedere, on March 4.
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Y. was off duty at the time of the incident. Prosecutor Tineke Kamps and Chief of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that Y. had been detained on Sunday morning. Kamps said Y. would be charged with manslaughter or murder.
Y. now will be interviewed by detectives and will appear before the Judge of Instruction in two days for the regular process when persons are detained.
A forensic investigation was carried out to determine whether the bullet that killed Isidora was fired from Y.’s duty weapon or from a different firearm. Kamps said the investigation into the case had been concluded, but she declined to give details of the investigation.
Police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson had said in a report after the shooting that witnesses had reported that the incident occurred after a very heated verbal confrontation between the off-duty officer, who was driving in his personal vehicle at that time, and a group of men from the neighbourhood.
At one point during this confrontation the situation escalated and got out of control, Henson said at the time. That was when shots were fired, according to witnesses, leaving Isidora dead on the street.
Y. had been suspended from his post after the incident.
OFFICER RICHMER RED RUM YORK ARRESTED IN KILLING OF AKEEM ISIDORA ST MAARTEN NEWS