By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in a robbery reported Tuesday night in the Marianas Business Plaza parking lot in Susupe.
DPS said 911 dispatchers received the call at about 9:09 p.m. on Feb. 24. Responding officers arrived minutes later and met with a 17‑year‑old male victim and his mother.
Investigators said the teen had been waiting outside the building after dance practice when he noticed a red Toyota Corolla circle the area twice before parking near a flower bed on the west side of the property. A male suspect got out of the rear passenger seat and approached the victim’s belongings.
According to police, the suspect attempted to take a bag and a Ryobi-brand fan. A struggle followed, during which the victim fell and the bag’s strap broke. The victim managed to keep the bag — which contained a laptop and important documents — but the suspect fled with the fan, valued at $200 to $300. No other items were reported stolen.
The suspect was described as a local male, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a “beer belly.” Two other men were reportedly inside the vehicle. No license plate information was obtained.
The victim was not injured and declined medical attention.
DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato urged the community to assist investigators. “We’re asking anyone who may have seen this vehicle or has information about the individuals involved to come forward,” Sato said. “Even small details can help our investigators move this case forward.”
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call DPS at (670) 664‑9001 or (670) 664‑9042. Anonymous tips may be submitted to NMI Crime Stoppers at (670) 234‑7272.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
