Robbery Team Arrests Suspect Linked to Multiple Armed Robberies in San Nicolas
The Aruba Police Force has announced the arrest of a suspect connected to a series of knife-point robberies that occurred in the San Nicolas district during March and April 2026. The arrest was made following an intensive investigation conducted by the Robbery Team (Atraco Team).
Pattern of Knife-Point Robberies
According to police, the suspect targeted multiple victims across San Nicolas over a six-week period, using a knife or dagger to intimidate his victims before fleeing with their belongings.
Timeline of Incidents
March 2, 2026 — A student waiting for their parents near the National Library on Peter Stuyvesantstraat was robbed at knifepoint. The suspect held a knife to the victim’s throat and made off with a mobile phone and wallet.
March 19, 2026 — An employee of MFA San Nicolas was targeted in the parking lot of Plaza Lolita. The suspect again held a knife to the victim’s throat and stole a mobile phone, jewelry, and wallet.
April 3, 2026 — Tourists admiring murals in the city center were robbed at knifepoint. The suspect made off with wallets and personal documents.
April 9, 2026 — A woman and her child were robbed after leaving a cinema. The suspect drew a knife and fled with their wallets.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Based on victim descriptions and the consistent modus operandi, the Robbery Team was able to identify the individual responsible for all four incidents. On April 11, 2026, the suspect was taken into custody.
The suspect has been identified as a 20-year-old Colombian national, H.S.L.B., who was residing illegally on the island and living in the San Nicolas district.
Evidence Recovered During Judicial Search
During a judicial search of the suspect’s premises on Theaterstraat, police located and confiscated substantial evidence linking him to the robberies. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to all four incidents.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to determine whether the suspect may be connected to additional unsolved cases in the area.
