Police officer fatally shot in Bonaire

[mmmbelows]

This story has all the elements of somebody messing with somebodies drug smuggling, the smugglers going to pay them a visit that was interrupted by the police. Many of these places like Bonaire, Roatan etc, are stop off, refueling places for drug smugglers on their way with their shipments from the main land.

5 guys not locals, with guns breaking into a house, with a shoot out = drugs.

 

[KathyV]

I read on Bonaire Talk that the criminals lost or left several items inside the house that helped the police to track them down including a hat, watch, and bracelet.

Large crowds of citizens turned out to pay their respects when the officer's body was being shipped back home:
A Hero’s Farewell, Final Salute to Officer Ferry Bakx | InfoBonaire

 

[KathyV]

On Bonaire Talk it was posted that the individuals arrested are of Venezuelan nationality according to Dutch news reports.

The article on page 9 in the newspaper below was printed before the recent arrests, but it gives more information about the crime and investigation and the reaction of the locals:
http://www.bonairereporter.com/news/016pdfs/newcurrent.pdf

 

[driftwood]

First, if the culprits are from Venezuela, then it's likely that the guns came from there as well. The place is awash with both criminal gangs and guns.

Second, we need to think like a local and understand that the easiest way for a Venezuelan to get to Bonaire is by boat. It really isn't that far away.

Drugs sounds reasonable, but just as likely would be a group looking to rob "rich" houses to send the money back home.

 

[lmorin]

I was on Bonaire 2 wks ago and was able to talk to a local with connections throughout the island. The supposition is that the person doing the shooting was not even familiar with guns. I was also told that guns are available for $500 purchase in Venezuela and are being brought in via boat. Note that this is not fact, but presumption.

 

[driftwood]

This may help to clarify the situation in Venezuela these days.

Ultra-violent gangs thrive in chaotic Venezuela despite crackdown | Reuters